Blog Archive

Rolling down to Old Maui

It’s a damn tough life full of toil and strife we whalemen undergo And we don’t give a damn when the whaling’s done how hard the wind does blow For we’re homeward bound from the Arctic ground with a good ship taut and free And we won’t give a damn when we drink our rum continue reading »


How to catch creative ideas

It’s been an intensive time for teaching this last few months – watercolour courses, drawing workshops, demonstrations, small group sessions, in the studio or to art clubs – and the more I teach, the more I learn. Art techniques, like other creative skills, can weave you a net to catch ideas and inspirations. The better 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 »


Wisdom and warm socks

  When I lived in a house, the contrast between seasons was not particularly stark. On a boat, the difference between summer and winter involves a whole different way of living. Summer afloat is a glorious, expansive picnic. The entire river is my living space, into which friends ebb and flow with boats, music and 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 »