Birthday wishes…

Today would have been my Mum’s birthday, God take her soul.
In part to commemorate that this evening, in part to try and shake off what is for me bad news blues about Britexit; it’s already casing me serious problems, I took a drive south to La Baule and Le Pornigeun. IMG_9787
The sort of evening out my mother would have loved, I hoped she was there with me in spirit, to walk on the beach at dusk, to explore the old Breton port of Le Pornigeun.
Dusk, a fresh force 3 from the SW and the tide beginning to ebb so exposing firm wet sand; I was entirely alone, mine the first foot prints on the sand.IMG_9791

Read more

Popular Pickle

I’m delighted to learn a German author and his publisher would like to use my painting (for a modest licencing fee) “I have urgent Dispatches” for a front cover of their new book about naval signals. 

I Have Urgent Dispatches
I Have Urgent Dispatches
It will be nice to add German to my list.

I already have book covers published in English, Russian

Frozen Fury
Frozen Fury

and Arabic.

'The Corsair' Baglah dhow painting used as a book cover
‘The Corsair’ Baglah dhow painting used as a book cover

Read more

Gaillac, a fresh approach

Gaillac, an introduction, a major re edit of this page including completed paintings added, http://artfrickers.com/s-w-france/gaillac/ This collection is a project never before undertaken, as of this evening it includes several of my paintings, never before seen on the Internet, completed. You can discover more on the sister web site that specializes in landscapes,  www.artfrickers.com, explore, … Read more

Mysterious Pickle

An interesting question arrived from Dave Bean wearing his hat as a part time guide for the famous replica of HMS Pickle. You may recall I’ve painted ‘Nelson’s’ Pickle in 3 settings having extensively researched her? Two are available as signed numbered prints.

I Have Urgent Dispatches
“I Have Urgent Dispatches”

 

Dave asked:
1. Was the first HMS Pickle a hired armed cutter, hired complete with crew?
2. Have you ever yourself come across the use of hired armed vessels?

Read more

Mayflower & Mayflower Harwich Project.

On my Facebook page a friend, Chris Fagg, posted pictures of Mayflower II refitting.

This lead to questions being asked.
…Hmm, wonder how this stays upright ?… (!)
Wondering the same. Insane stern castle.

Following the thread of two good questions from keen eyed ship mates, one from Chris Fagg, the other from Nick Kats, you are right lads, stability is a problem.
Same for the ‘Golden Hinde’ replica. Golden Hinde detail 21.03.11 IMG_0498 d

Both ships, from the waterline down are modern interpretations of the Elizabethan Race Galleon design.
The stern castle, so odd looking to our modern eyes offers some relatively comfortable and serviceable accommodation, it has a ‘down’ side too.

Read more