My view is birthdays should be fun, my last few have not been – so how to make it so?

One of the things I like about the Western French (I can’t speak of experience with other parts of France) is they know how to party.

Any reason is good enough!

Out come the wine, gateaux and gourmet foods in come the friends.

We are not talking wild parties, simply groups of friends and neighbours enjoying life together.

It is a matter of attitude, knowing how and when to relax and is even written into the famous cry that still echos in France from the French Revolution you know the words

“Liberté Egalité Fraternité” which remains to this day written on most town halls in France.

However today is a birthday, which I am quite willing to share with anyone else born on or near the 25th of May, and I am visiting and meeting a friends family in Amsterdam which as the Dutch will readily confirm if asked is not in France.

Why I am in Amsterdam is partly because of the European Parliament rules state exhibitors are not to sell from exhibitions.

I assume I should follow those rules and intend to make the best possible use of my time, besides my paintings can speak for them selves.

What I forgot was they can’t protect themselves…

Another lesson learned, if you read yesterday’s blog, the part about fizzi rizzi, you will to see what I mean.

The 25th dawned as a beautiful clear sunny day in South Holland, Amsterdam.

I was on the road by 08.30, unfortunately without Maryse and her 10 year old son who was not well.

To my great surprise my TomTom GPS informed me the route to Vollenhove and the Royal Huisman Shipyard passed right by Leylstad, home of the Batavia Wherf…

My appointment was for 10.00, after a beautiful drive across verdant sunny countryside I arrived at 10.01.

I find Holland a beautiful country and I admire the Dutch who have turned a rather unpromising land into a fine place to live.

No surprise the Netherlands is top of the Europe list for Islamisation!

On this particular day although the morning was chilly by Tarn standards.

The daysoon looked and felt like the South of France; what a nice day for a birthday!

The days already felt good as I swung my car into the entrance to the world famous Royal Huisman Shipyard www.royalhuisman.com.

I was expecting some thing special and I got it, with style.

I was met by Jurjen van ‘t Verlaat, responsible for Public Relations and I presented him with a copy of the European Parliament Exhibition booklet and another for Alice Huisman director.

I first met Alice  at a Monaco Yacht Show while visiting the impressive Royal Huisman display.

Some of the better exhibits at such shows feature superb models and large photographs.

I am surprised though that the more dedicated exhibitors don’t use paintings.

Fine paintings are much less expensive than the models.

Paintings of the best quality bring models to life in a way no photograph can the latter being rather graphic and less emotional.

Fine art can do several mysterious things for your subject including make time seem a bit longer and literally last longer buy out living most photography, magazines and brochures.

The over use, the unrelenting use of photography surprises me because here is an industry that aspires to the best and highest standards yet is blissfully unaware of fine art.

Jurjen van’t Verlaat was very generous with his time and conversation.

I learnt from Jurjen some of the reasons why super yacht builders don’t think to use paintings.

I need a new brochure, rewording and new pictures…

To that end will have to paint some specimen super yachts pictures on speculation unless suitable commands arrive which with the Internet and the law of Inverse Probability (as in Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Universe, may happen when I least expect and least want it!

One only has to visit a place like the P&O offices in London or the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich to see what I mean.

Alice  kindly gave me a beautiful signed copy of Royal Huisman, 125 years which I found interesting, informative and inspirational.

I was aware the time Jurjen van’t Verlaat could give me was limited so after a coffee and exchange of ideas and information we proceeded with a tour of the yard.

First I was shown the workshops and how envious I was!

The layouts and equipment was first class or if possible better, the work shops clean and well organised, the staff clearly content, skilled and dedicated to the highest standards.

It was as if I was seeing everything we had been doing when I was MD of South East Boat builders Ltd back in the 1970’s at Rye East Sussex had been taken to its logical conclusion.

I quickly found myself thinking, if I was going to build a super yacht I’d have complete confidence in these people and this yard.

With my time at Royal Huisman limited and not wishing to delay Jurjen I took photographs, not as many as I’d like to have done however I hope you find these attached here an facinating introduction to  the world of super yachts. 

The Royal Huisman story is a fascinating one.

The yard is 127 years + old and as new and up to date as it is possible to be, an inspirational business story and one which still has a long voyage ahead.

If you would like to know more about the fabulous Royal Huisman Shipyard try www.royalhuisman.com or contact Gordon Frickers who will help you with pleasure.

~

There followed a stop at beautiful Vollenhove at a snack bar, fried fish Dutch style, I regret not photographing the people and bar for you.

I’d reached the furthest point of my voyage North.

I re set my GPS and turned my car  towards Amsterdam, back along the same course I’d set to arrive at Vollenhove .

The route passed Lelystad, home of the Batavia Werf.

What had changed in the 12 years since I was last there and painted.

“Zeven Provinciën“, Royal Netherlands Navy?

(http://frickers.co.uk/marine-art/zeven_provincien_2.html).

A beautiful sunny day and to much temptation.

I thought,  as I have no idea if I’ll ever pass this way again,  probably not, I should not miss the opportunity to see this extra ordinay ship yard again.

Besides I was not expected in Amsterdam for a few hours yet.

As usual my GPS could not give me the exact address – are all TomToms like that?

I saw no signs for the Batavia Werf, the GPS got me near, the rest was memory and guess work.

First guess put me near and I discovered the fisherman’s old huts had transformed into a very cute excellent boutique area. >

All rather fun, and a couple of new museums had opened, one for small locally evolved sailing craft one called Neew World.

< The Batavia Werf entrance was not hard to find, following directions given from the Tourist Information Office in among the boutiques. The Batavia Werf takes its name from the 17 century Dutch East indaman “Batavia“, a ship of 1200 tons, one of the largest Dutch ships of her day.

The first ship the yard built was a detailed replica of the Batavia.

The photos here give a hint about this remarkable and inspirational shipyard.

This ship is now 15 years old.

Like her name sake she too has been to Australia and there, almost wrecked her owners business.

The bones of the original Batavia lye bleached and buried on a far and remote western Australian shore, victim of poor charts, inadequate equipment (of the period), sloppy navigation, bad luck and a mutiny with women at the bottom of the trouble!

The modern Batavia had her problems in Australia, almost bankrupting her company but was luckier eventually returning to her home port.

I arrived with out an appointment to find everyone at the Batavia Werf most welcoming and generous with their time (and coffee).

From Robien van Ee, the marketing and communication manager I was quickly brought up to date on the history of the yard since my last visit.

We also discussed how the way ahead and how I might help this great project.

The youth training part of the project is still financed by the EP and local government but less so.

The yard has not yet been able to re establish its self as a well signed tourist attraction and is very short of appropriate visitor amenities including stock for the gift shop.

There is much to be done.

In a nut shell after a major set back with a sponsor, an Australian connection some years ago who not only failed to keep faith but placed the yard in a near impossible position, the yard is just getting back to work.

The work is:

*historical replica ships of the highest order.

*Acting as a visitor heritage centre

*Helping young drop out learn skills and team work.

I found the contrast with my previous visit  absorbing.

All the staff I had know including master ship wright Willem Voss had moved on.

The work had not moved on as much as I expected due to the sponsor catastrophy, happily now part of the Batavia history.

The figure head shown here is one I’d previously photographed including with the people who were carving it!

I was extreemly fortunate to have the current master shipwright give me a personnel and detailed tour of the facilities and ships, shared with you here through my photographs.

Aryan Klein, master Ship wright is a most worthy successor to Willum Voss.

Aryan Klien’s knowledge is very extensive, he is very open to new ideas and has an admirable, contagious thirst for information on 17th century ships  and ship centred life.

Aryan was very generous with his time.

Maybe my training at Falmouth Ship and Boat building College and subsequent work in the marine industry ship and boat building for 10 years helped us see eye to eye, a mindmeld, maybe its just a ship n boat thing, what ever I was soon immersed in the Batavia world and learnt much in a short time.

I am quietly confident I can justify Aryan’s time by putting some of this new knowledge to use and help the Batavia Werf in some modest useful ways.

This was the first time I have been aboard the Batavia.

On my previous visit my time was centered entirely with Willium Voss on “Zeven Provinciën“.

In many ways Batavia resembles but is larger than the fine replica of Drake’s Golden Hinde built at Appledore in Devon.

Aryan described the view from Batavia’s high upper poop deck as his favourite and the best view in Holland!

Batavia is now 15 years old and that is old for a wooden ship and that worries Aryan.

Batavia despite te TLC lavished on her is showing the inevitable, unmistakable signs of becoming an older wooden ship.

Aryan  asked me about maintaining ships of this type and of course I know from my Falmouth and other times some of the tricks like salting the timbers.

Unfortuantely I can’t be on site for Batavia.

You could help and jion this wonderful project by joining the friends of Batavia via www.bataviawerf.nl

Fortunately I know some other experts who could advise, one of the foremost being Peter Goodwin with whom i promised to discuss the Batavia by phone and when I’m next in Portsmouth, in England.

If only I’d had more time…
I’d have taken more considered photos and included more of the people and information today.

Maybe I will have to go back?

Meanwhile I’m late for a birthday party in Amsterdam complete with children, should be fun, must hurry on!

This fine example of marine painting (36″ x 28″)  is intended to be reserved as an exhibition piece and be offered for a modest £1,200.00; unless some one before then, makes me an offer I can’t refuse!

This refreshing piece of marine art started life inspired by my days in the 1990’s working for Yachting World as their prize artist ( no I was not the prize, I had to provide the prize; a painting of the winning boat, ready for presentation that evening at 18.30 ~ a bit tricky as the racing finished at 16.00 and it was a handicap event with about 60 yachts…) at various Rolex Nautor Swan European Regattas.

I am pleased to say I was the only artist Yachting World used more than once for this test of nerve…

There are several very fine examples of those paintings on this web site, mostly under Marine Gallery, yachts and super yachts.

Nautor Swans, have been around much longer and enjoy a reputation as the very best quality production built yachts.

From what I saw of these splendid yachts I’d not wish to dispute that, both externally and internally they are each one a classic boat from the moment they are complete.

It gets better because I discovered the atmosphere with in the events is very amiable, competitive, competent but all the owners seem to be proud not only of their own Swan but of every one else’s too!

I was delighted to in a small way and for a short time to be a part of this happy family.

Super yachts ~ In my previous blog I gave you a youtube video link to the Antibes Yacht Show, April 8th, 2010 http://www.antibesyachtshow.com/intro.asp?lang=EN

Just got back from the Antibes Yacht Show, tired and hungry, after 7 hours on the road, here begins my report.

My objectives were to look for subjects and possible commands for marine painting, assemble information for possible articles and meet interesting people maybe making new friends.

Here is my first impression, the evening I arrived.

The Antibes Yacht Show is not as world famous the Monaco Yacht Show I attended last September (it’s in the blog, September).

Rather, it has a special ambiance, a very lovely setting, a marvelous old town hard by, fewer visitors and fewer exhibitors (over 200) so is a calmer place to do business with more time for discussion  or simply to enjoy the fabulous yachts, facinating equipment and services on show, ranging from sailing yachts to discovery yachts to simply the ultimate in luxury afloat,  the largest being some 4,500 tons of  glistening perfection, Carinthia VII — ->

The services include wine and food specialists, even a party specialist – yes keeping a multi million pound yacht spotless while a great party is in progress is a speciality; ably handled or you don’t work again in the superyacht  industry!

This was the 4th Antibes Yacht Show, the first big event on the nautical Cote d’Azur year 2010.

This Antibes Yacht Show hosted over 200 boats and exhibitors.

By investing 5 days in this event plus expenses, I had too many adventures to recount all.

I’ll try to give you a taster with a few words and pictures here, in the next blog, of the sun, yachts, super yachts, super people and some glamorous tales to go with the glamorous pictures.

Attending these shows unsupported by a companion is hard exhausting work.

Good fun to, more than once I found  I was telling myself, “it doesn’t get better than this“.

I was driving by myself unless you include the not very heavy but very International traffic on the auto routes from Toulouse to Antibes and returning the same way?

It’s quite a long haul but a very pleasant drive from Itzac to Toulouse, then down into the heart of the S W wine country passing through areas I think offer the best value wine in the worlds today, Corbiers, Minivois, the Languedoc’s, and a line of historic cities, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Sete, Marseille, Aux – en – Provence, Toulon, St Tropez, Cannes to name but a few… passing the huge Camargue marsh lands, travelling from in sight of the snow cloaked Pyrenees to within sight of the Alps, also wearing their snow capes.

Summer was waiting at Antibes on the Cote d’Azur.

Is this where summer goes for the winter?

It felt like a perfect English summer, not to hot and warm in the evenings.

How would that be for a relief after our hard Northern winter?

Everyone seems to say the Cote d’Azur is very expensive.

On the Internet I found a hotel about 8 minutes drive over cap Antibes to the old town of Antibes, La Residence at Juan Les Pins. (www.hotellaresidence.com) ~

The sea front,Juan les Pins —>

The Golfe Juan is mid way between Antibes and Cannes, good sandy beaches, lots of facilities and close by Cap Antibes which offers splendid views from the lighthouse, several fine coves and has a Museum Marine et Napoleon which to my distress was closed is Sundays.

My hotel cost 48 Euro’s per night including en suite room, breakfast and 3 minutes walk for the beach and old town centre.

Was I ripped off?

It was clean, comfortable and all the staff helpful and friendly so you tell me?

~

As part of my preparation I took with me notes made after  the Monaco Super Yacht Show 2009 and I tried the responses to typical questions which I’d discussed last November with a few interested and trusted friends.

The tactics, coupled with my new and very high quality brochure worked (I thought surprisingly well) making conversations easier for both parties and more focused.

Now I wish I’d found the RAC list of classic sales closes I used to use back in the 80’s!
Now, what are the 10 classic closes? They often help people make up their minds.

I don’t think I have a single picture which sums up this splendid and charming Yacht Show.

Unless, ironically it is the one I did not take, the one of me basking in the sun while sitting on Les Remparts (yes it is spelt Remparts) of old Antibes, over looking the Yacht Show and looking far to pleased with life? ——>

Antibes Y S was excellent.

Antibes,  Iwas asked by a magazine for a profile article, always mutually beneficial, I met very dynamic  interesting  people and  ‘might’ even have several projects as a result.

In the next blog I hope to tell and show you a little about the Antibes Yacht Show and some of its people.

Some of these new paintings are already featured on the blog so here is today’s update. 

Subjects for this new marine art include Emigration from Plymouth, the ship Samuel Plimsoll, Nelson at Gibraltar, and Porto Fino at dusk, super yachts.

There is more to come and you can follow the progress of these paintings here over the next few months.

All MUST be complete by April… 

I have some ideas to sketch re the possible marine commission I mentioned yesterday, but first, Admiral Nelson and super yachts. 

I have several marine paintings in advance planning at present and several being sketched out including this one intended to be of a big superyacht (motor), with other yachts at dusk in Porto Fino but which yachts?

Want to nominate suitable superyachts?

I have in mind the famous Maltese Falcon for the big 3 master.

I briefly saw Maltese Falcon in Antibes, literally in, not sailing, but…

Several journalists at the Monaco Yacht Show including Alan Warren and Colin Squire suggested I should paint Maltese Falcon as one of my collection for the European Parliament Exhibition in 2010.

I intend to show Maltese Falcon in the back ground partly because while at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Paris (blog entry 10th Dec 09, I had the good fortune to meet Julie Clark of Savage Marine Ltd.

Julie’s company “did the lighting” for the superyacht Maltese Falcon and has kindly offered to lend me the book produced when the Maltese Falcon was built (www.savagelighting.com).

Julie has also, recognising a good PR opportunity when she hears of one,  offered to light my forthcoming exhibition at the European Parliament next year.

I have not yet settled on which motor yacht for the for ground, which yacht?

I have all I need on the 3250 ton Sarafsa.

She is the right size and new last year from Devonport Royal Dockyard (Babcock Marine), I painted her leaving Plymouth for DRD but…

She is owned by a super seriously rich Arab prince, an unapproachable person so no fun as far as I am concerned.

I’d like to choose a big vessel, 5 decks, used for charter,  and show her fully lit, with the water toys coming home at dusk for an evening’s relaxation.

Any nominations?

~

Nelson? I drew a sketch years ago while thinking of the voyage of Laperouse.

A friend recently saw the sketch and suggested it could become Nelson at Gibralter moving from HMS Captain to the frigate HMS Minerve to undertake a “delicate mission”.

So… 

I won’t have time for marine painting, or to look for possible commissions. I’ll not even have much time to take photographs.

My new brochure (ask for a copy or down load free from www.frickers.co.uk home page) is being very well received.

I have been amused to have several people say, wow, collector’s item!

Amused because there were a lot of seriously expensive brochures at Monte Carlo!

What surprises are in store today?

The first surprise was produced by Alan Warren of Yachting World who kindly introduced me in generous terms to Jonathan Becket, Chief Exec of Burgess.

Burgess are the biggest of the 4 main superyacht brokers.  

A few minutes with Jonathan and I could see why, a very remarkable person, an instant repour, an unassuming air and great company.

A series of other fascinating meetings included quite a few media people, Colin Squire of Yachting Matters magazine (www.yachtfile.com)  and Jessica Lane of Yachting Pages (www.yachting-pages.com) both made some helpful suggestions and asked to be kept up to date with for any press releases I might have.

Colin asked to have a further talk about marine painting as painting has been a large part of his life and may yet be again.

Jessica was particularly kind giving me copies of  The Yachting Pages Superyacht Directory and SYOG, SuperYacht Owners Guide 2009 / 10, very smart publications in every sense, all sources of loads of solid, invaluable info, names and addresses,  for anyone who needs to finds people and info in the industry.

I was and having read them am more than pleased to have copies of these publications , thanks again Jessica.

Anyone know of a similarly extensive publication for the merchant shipping world?

The Monaco Yacht Show 2009 has changed my attitude to super yachts and their world.
I now see this world in a light more similar to events like Formula 1.

Yes it is very rich people having fun but it is more, much more.

Super yachts are not just mobile homes for the super rich. 

The crews are not lackeys, they are very respected professionals and have a remarkable opportunity to see a wider world.

Super yachts are a testing and proving ground for new ideas and new technologies which arguably more than with F1 will gradually filter out and enrich a wider world.

I came away awed by the people because I admire and respect the way they are pushing frontiers and upping the quality of life and possibilities for a far wider pubic than will ever tread the deck or feel the wheel of a super yacht.

I discovered I have a very special approach to marine painting to offer here.

I’d like to work with the best of these people.

I admired the standards set , I admired the quiet professional modesty of all the top people I met.

We hope you find the following interesting, engaging, interactive, and will forward this to friends.

If we can be of further assistance, don’t hesitate to e mail info@frickers.co.uk or phone to ask.

1. In brief
2. New phone
3. I’ve moved house
4. A superb new Marine Print:
5. New on the web site
6. Blog
7. Marine paintings
8. New paintings
9. Super yachts
10. Monaco Yacht Show September 23 to 26?
11. Wotsitworth? ? ?
12. Next please
13. Sea Fever
14. Research
15. Special thank you

Welcome
Your news is always welcome; now here is a little light reading for the summer break, enjoy.

Gordon at Antibes, cote d’azur 

I made an 11 day tour to look over the super yacht industry including producing 2 paintings of harbours.

En route to Cannes I had the excellent luck to meet and have dinner with the renowned French artist Dominique Rembauville who recommended I base myself in Antibes.

This turned out to be an excellent suggestion.

The only down side is I can’t read her email address so she can’t recieve this and another excellent photo I took of her…

Can you help Dominique Rembauville contact me ?

2009 started with my first experience of a long illness, included bronchial pneumonia, leading to a visit to the Hospital at Albi. On the plus side most of the nurses are gorgeous on the minus side I did not get much work done for 5 months so could not afford one!

Having had to ease off, advertising has become necessary.

By the way, we accept payments for paintings in stages and offer a guarantee unsurpassed on the Internet despite.

Anyway following a reconnaissance of the Cote d’Azur, I am fighting fit now so watch out!

That said, my first advert in 18 years has gone into the very glossy magazine
Our new advert, a collector’s item, is bright, clear, punchie and has a great painting.

The ad reads:

Prince Philip winning at Cowes Week by Gordon Frickers.

Exclusive, professional, the best of British Marine Art

A highly experienced marine artist Gordon Frickers has many famous paintings to his credit.

“Our efforts with the painting were highly successful” Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“Many thanks for producing a truly beautiful painting” ~ Devonport Royal
Dockyard.

For memorable fine art of enduring worth contact or better, meet Gordon Frickers.

Like a free copy of this picture?
Email me if you would.

Superyacht Business, The Best of British is British Marine Federation glossy mag given away at all the major yacht Shows, Monte Carlo at Monaco, Fort Lauderdale etc so will show my marine painting to a whole new network of specialists.
The ad has already produced enquiries for marine paintings and at the very least will help make my name familiar as a marine artist, The future of super yachts, (or is it superyachts?)  looks healthy so the questions are, will the super yacht world realise it can benefit from  Gordon Frickers  are these people are ready for first class  marine art?

By the way, is it super yacht or is it superyacht?

As the advert comments,
“Recent clients included super yacht builders, super yacht owners, the Ministry of Defence and the government of Oman so for memorable paintings and prints of enduring worth contact or better, meet Gordon Frickers”

New phone numbers,

I have change to “Three” from Vodafone, half the price for calls including in Europe and better service.
My mobile is now +44 (0) 7588 411 720

I’ve moved house

From the enchanting Castelnau de Montmiral to beautiful Itzac.  

My Plymouth address remains unchanged, the current addresses are on

http://www.frickers.co.uk/contact.html
My email addresses are unchanged, gordon@frickers.co.uk is reliable.

A superb new Marine Print

http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/formidable_seafires.html
We were talked into publishing this picture by Euro MP Brian Simson whose father served on the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable.

Brian has kindly asked if I am interested in an exhibition at the European Parliament — do fish swim, is the Pope Catholic?
See superb marine prints in our Print Gallery, purchase securely using Paypal or phone Gordon Frickers Fine Art, 01865 52 2435

New on the web site

We are making many improvements to www.frickers.co.uk. The aims include, more user friendly and sociable, easier to leave messages on, to contact us and to buy from.

Changes include a “very useful pages” section on the navigation page and a very unusual CV/résumé http://www.frickers.co.uk/about.html
We are also updating the SEO terms and making other behind the scenes upgrades.

Responding to friendly advice the site is becoming much more focused, on marine art.
None of the other pages have been deleted, rather moved to an “archive” accessible via the Navigation page so the emphasis is going increasingly onto the best and newest works.
We reason, if you see a book on a famous painter, you only see his “best” work, so we too can play that game, makes sense?

Blog

Much improved; you can help by keeping an eye on it and better, leaving comments.
Your comments on the blog really help us with feed back and SOE -search engine optimization, thank you.

Marine paintings

have been given the 2009 look.
Including THE study of Prince Philip winning at Cowes (featured on the new advert) and the Ben Ainslie an action portrait, Sydney Olympic Games which now looks magic and has attracted the attention for marketing of the London Olympic Organising Committee 2012

New paintings

Include a study of the famous “Flying Scotsman”, with Pullman coaches, in a very distinctive location.
Recognise the place???

You can better see the painting on my blog: http://www.frickers.co.uk/blog/ dated 06.06.09

Super yachts

– Potential new market? The 11 day reconnaissance of the Cote d’azur, amazing!

See the web stories under Cote d’azur!
I came away convinced superyachts are ready for the Art of Gordon Frickers; but only just; it will be a difficult market.
In the past year I have had the good fortune to paint a series of superyachts to commission.
I am encouraged by the UKTI Scheme and Superyacht UK to paint more…
The problem seems to be finding people in the industry who appreciate what fine art can do for them and their business.

Know of any leads?

I lead sent by a friend is better than advertising.

I willing pay the full industry rate of commission for your introducing a commission.

Monaco Yacht Show September 23 to 26

Based at legendary Monte Carlo, many consider this THE boat show of the year.
It is grandly titled the 19th Monaco Yacht Show – 2009 and includes the Red Arrows, evening of the 24th.

So, what are you doing this September?

Would you like to keep me company, share the adventure? You could, contact us!

I will be looking to gracefully meet professional people in the Superyacht world. I’ll be staying near Nice.
http://www.monacoyachtshow.com/index.shtml

Wotsitworth? ? ?

From time to time I am asked the question, what is my painting worth?
Recently these 2 paintings,
The New Westminster City, a merchant ship sunk while in convoy PQ13 and my client, former apprentice Mills under attack, painted about 1988.

Mr Mills said he really did fire his guns in anger at the Junkers Ju88’s but was much to excited to aim well.

He added cheerfully, 3 days later we were sunk and I lost a leg. View page http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/pq_13_new_westminster_city.html
Sadly Mr Mills, my client has died and the new owner of the painting asked the question, how much?
A tea clipper study and a fine one too, “Fiery Cross” similar tale, painted about 1984, Wotsitworth ? what are they worth at auction?

The battle of Trafalgar – Most of the Trafalgar collection has become available, the originals that is, currently in a bank vault in central London – what are they worth at auction?

We know some of our prints have been changing hands for £500 +

Can you tell me what these paintings are worth?

Next please

It seems I have to concentrate on Marine art, as you know, not a great hardship for me!
I have and continue to produce some remarkable landscapes exploiting my unconventional colour vision including recently my largest landscape to date measuring 40” x 30”.
While it is entirely possible that one day the landscapes will be worth more than my marine painting, I’ve not yet found a satisfactory outlet for these often remarkable landscape paintings which sell steadily in the £350 to 2,000 price bracket.

Thus my way ahead must be focused on commercial shipping and Superyachts.

I have had several offers of exhibitions but remain choosy.
Why?
Because it is easy to get an exhibition, but expensive and they eat time. Thus unless it is likely to be a financial success why show?
Currently we are looking at offers from what I am told (well they would say that wouldn’t they) the best galleries in Toulouse and Lille.

That said serious offers are very welcome so please pass them on!

Sea Fever

Having moved from Castelnau de Montmiral, a few kilometres down the road to fair Itzac (about an hour’s drive East from Toulouse) I can confirm, Itzac is good, lots of sunshine, wonderful light for painting.
At Itzac I am renting a charming cottage. Chris and Ruth Boddington have shown me much kindness, Lizzie and George (Bod’s cats), much affection. I try to be a good guest / tenant.

There are problems though; which include, typical of minor French villages, poor internet and phone connections, a lack of studio space, remoteness and other issues, the list goes on but I won’t!
Thus I don’t intend to stay at Itzac indefinitely.

If you know of any ways to improve wifi down load speeds PLEASE speak up!!!
More serious, I have a bad case of sea fever…

Ideally, I’d look at apartments any where between La Rochelle and Brest but anywhere from South Cornwall to the Cote d’azur would be ok!

It has also been suggested, I write to some society magazines. The Lady has been mentioned.
First prob, find the right publications, do you have any suggestions ???

Maybe you know some one with a spare house needing the ultimate accessory, an Artist in Residence, a sort of guest.
Montague Dawson, had a deal like that, for one good painting per year (A Dawson marine painting now sell for £50 to 100 thousand)

What solution? Ideas please?

Research

You may like to know I am preparing new marine paintings of the “Samuel Plimsoll” loading emigrants at the Cattewater, Plymouth by moonlight.
This will be a large painting.

I have a copy of the Spurling painting of her and am looking for other pictures / plans etc.

I already have most of what I need of the Cattewater (you may recall, it is place very familiar to me), its quay’s and piers, the moorings etc and much info on the old emigrant centre, supplied by Plymouth Naval Reference Library. They in turn wish this painting to be the centre piece of an exhibition of my work in Plymouth.

Other new paintings will include an example of a superyacht, suitable for exhibition display, maybe at Porto Fino at dusk, but which superyacht?
I’m looking for pictures of HM Submarine Unique and her sisters, can you help?

A painting of the great and tragic French marine explorer Laperouse at Botany Bay still needs good photos of Botany Bay, taken from sea ward, and better pictures of the 11 ships of the First Fleet.

Most recently, a friend in New York has been asking about paintings of the new USS New York (bow made from steel recycled from the World Trade Centre), and the coming anniversary of the war of 1812, a big event in the USA.

I wonder what the Canadians will make of this anniversary of the U.S trying to take over their country?
Also for 2012, just maybe the London Olympics; the organising committee are interested in marketing my work with Ben Ainslie and maybe similar new paintings.
If we can be of further assistance, don’t hesitate to e mail  info@frickers.co.uk or phone to ask.

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My sincere thanks to all of you who take an interest in my art, you furthering the arts and are all helping my career.
My appreciation in particular those who send leads, commissions and pay the ultimate compliment, by saying those magic words  “I’ll buy it”!

Robin Knox- Johnston said to me, “Gordon like my work, you have no choice, it’s not a job it’s a calling”,

Wishing you happiness, good health and prosperity, and hoping we meet again soon,

Gordon Frickers, marine artist, Itzac, august 2009.

We hope this newsletter has been a pleasure for you and you will pass it on, your comments, contributions and plain old keeping in touch will be very welcome.

As Sarafsa is now thoroughly in the public domain here are a couple of photos snapped as my boat passed Sarafsa.  

I’d heard Sarafsa was in the Gulf of Arabia.

I was very pleased to see her not least because I painted her last year.

Iam not allowed to show the painting on my web site, a confidentiality agreement. (See http://www.frickers.co.uk/marine-art/superyachts.html ).

Sarafsa was a pleasure to paint, a beautifully built yacht. I wish people had consulted me about the interior decoration though, I felt that the interior deco had some weak moments.

UnfortunatelyI did not have time to say Hi to the crew.

I was en route to Saint Tropez – or is it St Tropez?

Maybe I’ll meet them again when I go to the Monaco Yacht Show at Monte Carlo in late September?

I hugely enjoyed working with my clients while I prepared to paint Sarafsa and am only disappointed this great marine painting remains even to the owner of Sarafsa, unknown.