Making steady progress with this new painting despite numerous distractions not least the recent heavy snow which again stopped all the local traffic except 4 x4′s who compacted the snow until even they were ditch parking, hence the phrase “ditch it“?

I have some 5 paintings on the go at present, this one at 1220 x 760 (48″ x 30″) is to be the largest.

The clickable pic (left) gives you much information re the progress, a bit more in this text below… (more…)

More snow today, it has been bitterly cold for the past 3 days with a North wind, the pop up pic opposite shows a car stuck outside my cottage…

Today’s task is to work on the larger marine painting of the Cattewater, Plymouth by moonlight, a scene showing the  clipper Samuel Plimsoll loading emigrants Australia bound.

The studio space is very limited, I need more space but where and how, any suggestions? (more…)

The Flying Scotsman has as a result of Mike Jeffries comments had a  a re appraisal of the painting and some re working, specific replies to points raised listed below and may be of wider interest to artists.
The remarks have also underlined a serious problem I have here at Itzac; the studio space is tooooo small for paintings over 16” x 20”.
I need a larger studio ASAP but where, anyone want an artist in residence? (more…)

Up early ish today and loading my car including with 2 major marine paintings (Plymouth Cattewater and Nelson at Gibraltar 10 Dec 1796) and numerous French landscapes.

One of the objectives of this return to my home port of Plymouth is to find out how the paintings are received, perceived and valued, another is to consider suitable exhibition venues. (more…)

This last day of May day finished this varied month in fine style.

A real English ale with the rare pleasure of  my son for company and a yarn at the China House, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth. (more…)

Today was  mostly spent exploring the world heritage city of  Carcassonne. 

The morning started as so many others here this year since mid June, grey and a chilly 13 C with spots of rain.

The prime task was to take my friend Suki to Carcassonne airport for a Ryanair flight to Stanstead.

Secondary was for Michael Baker and I to explore Carcassonne and or drive down to the Med. (more…)