Gold turns brown, an oblique reference to the credit crisis, dolpins or to wine?

An amusing French expression much used at Castelnau de Montmiral at present. Tous les jours ce n’est pas du temps de saison – all and every day it is not the weather for the season.

(more…)

Ever had your front door blocked by hailstones? Last night made a fair attempt out side my cottage!

Landscape painting  that is, painting plien aire (out doors)  is currently quite a challenge with temperatures often up to the mid 30’s C in the shade.   (more…)

L’association Laperouse, a dynamic association based around the Museum of Laperouse in the old quarter of  Albi launched a new book with champagne and  “la galette des rois” about recent discoveries relating to Laperouse.

You may be aware of Laperouse? 

Laperouse, navigator and discoverer was literally the French answer to Captain James  Cook and the HMS Endeavour. (more…)

I have been speaking to Peter Goodwin, Curator and Keeper of HMS Victory and author of numerous definitive books on historic marine subjects.

Peter is very concerned that there are structural problems in Victory caused by poor repairs and the committees responsible are not listening to him …

Thus I was able to bring Peter some moral support and light relief with some marine news. (more…)

Marine paintings unfinished, ekkkk!  Laperouse at Botany Bay not started and the weeks before May 23rd and the exhibition at the European Parliament down to single figures. 
Cool calm and collected used to be my mantra for start lines when racing in big fleets; I have found another use for it guess what? (more…)