Blog Archive

To Scilly with a sketchbook, and other fragments

When the world seems full of noise and turbulence, anything that is quiet, gentle and creative seems all the more precious. Since last writing, I’ve been to Cornwall for my annual sailing and teaching trip on board Eve of St Mawes (www.classic-sailing.co.uk); I also sailed to Scilly on Eve’s big sister Amelie Rose (http://www.topsail-adventures.co.uk/), where continue reading »


Updates and inspirations

Good morning all, from a misty morning on the River Deben where I am sitting up in bed, drinking tea and have told myself to stop faffing around and get this blog post finished. Trouble is, the longer I leave it, the more stuff happens and then I don’t know where to start. So first continue reading »


Sailing and sogginess

Each summer I try and have a little adventure. It usually involves messing about on the water on other people’s boats, though last year I took my home with me and that turned out more adventurous than I would have liked – remember my ‘stranded in Haarlem’ espisode? That escapade proved disastrously expensive, so this continue reading »


Pencils, pilot cutters and apologies to Pete Seeger

Hooray, the date has been set for my favourite commission of the summer, guest tutor for the Classic Sailing Art Cruise. The boat: Eve of St Mawes, built on the lines of a traditional pilot cutter and a treat to the eye. She sails rather well, too. The setting: South Cornwall, Falmouth harbour and the continue reading »


Drawing at the edge of the world

This month brings more pilot cutter sailing and a few arty notes on the usefulness of horizon lines…..   My idea of a perfect moment is sitting on a traditional boat, preferably in the sunshine, with a glass of wine in one hand and a pencil in the other. My idea of a perfect job continue reading »