This time last year I was trying to pack an impossible amount of stuff into a suitcase and getting ready for my two month sailing trip. It’s hard to believe that a year has flown by since then and what a strange year it has been. I can’t believe how lucky I was with my continue reading »
Most of the year people often say to me ‘Oh I wish I lived on a boat’ (to which the answer is usually ‘no you don’t, not really, or you would do’). In the winter months no-one says it. During that very cold weather when the ice floes piled up under my stern and opening continue reading »
Occasionally, I get asked to draw things other than boats. With a bit of research, I can tackle most subjects (but I avoid animals, fairies and dragons. I know my limits!) and I often have to draw people, either as cartoons or realistic. My latest book illustration project was certainly a little bit different. It’s continue reading »
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 »
The river comes alive in April and May. Boatyards fill with the smell of fresh paint, boats are launched and spread their wings, owners are heard in pubs saying things that would be unacceptable a few miles inland – ‘Going to get the yard to have a look at my stern gland’ and ‘what are continue reading »