Blog Archive

Creeks and creativity

I haven’t disappeared, just been lazy about blogging. It’s far easier to sit and read other people’s posts over my lunchtime mug of soup than try and think of something witty and intelligent to say myself. Sailing adventures may be over for the year but I still can’t decide whether to post as an illustrator, continue reading »


Memories of blue sky days

I’m gradually getting used to being back in the studio every day, but I’m not very good at winters; I’d have liked that summer heat to go on for ever. When I was young and lived in Singapore, it did, and I remember as a child my family stoically sweating over their Christmas puddings in continue reading »


Keep off the mud

Sound advice for both east coast sailors and watercolour artists, ‘Keep off the mud’ was the title of a talk I did at Woodbridge Art Club earlier this week. It seems to be my year for burbling at an unsuspecting audience. This time the subject was colour mixing, and I know I’ve covered it before continue reading »


Ketches and sketches

When I was invited to give a talk at the London Boat Show on marine art, I faced the challenge of making a half hour slot as useful as possible. What I came up with is my ten tips for sketching boats, which I promised the audience (delightfully attentive and well behaved!) that I would continue reading »


Bowlines before breakfast

My conversation with the signalman who answered the phone from the railway crossing was surreal – but it was late at night and he was probably bored. Me: Is it clear to take a car across? Him: Are there any animals involved? Me: That’s no way to talk about my friends! Him: Aren’t you the continue reading »