I was lucky enough to secure a place at the Skopelos Foundation for the Arts for a 3-week residency in September. It was the most wonderful experience, sharing ideas with other artists in different media and from all over the world, and being inspired by the amazing colours on that beautiful island. The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive and I felt free to be myself and follow my own agenda. I explored the island and soon discovered my favourite place, Amarandos - the walk there was stunning, through scented pine trees with glimpses of turquoise water between the trees. I divided my time between sketching on location and working in the studio - which in itself was an inspiring location with views over the bay. I did a lot of work but also had time for lots of swimming and good meals. I hope to create more work over the winter with my sketches and photos as inspiration.
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I was lucky enough to be teaching on an Ambassador cruise to Alta (Norway) in November/December - it was described by a friend as a 'trip of a lifetime' - and that's probably only the art classes! We called in at some beautiful ports including Alesund, Trondheim, Narvik and Bergen and had the most wonderful weather for most of the trip. The highlight was the most stunning show of the Northern lights seen from the back of the ship.the classes were very popular, and we had a go at painting the Northern lights - a great subject for watercolour!Another wonderful visit to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck in early October. There were 9 enthusiastic artists who all enjoyed the variety of subjects and (mostly) great weather. On the one grey day we got the bus to Corfe Castle and did some dramatic sketches of the castle along with some characterful cottages. We also had a close-up view of the steam train where someone was enjoying his train driving experience day. We went to Peveril Point and Durlston Castle in Swanage, Studland south beach and Old Harry Rocks and Houns Tout and also had some time in the studio to complete work and make some small books. A great week!
I was lucky enough to be on the Saga Spirit of Discovery in mid-June this year when she sailed to the Norwegian fjords. The weather was amazing and the views absolutely stunning - everywhere you looked was like a picture postcard. On the sea days we had lots of enthusiastic guests in the painting classes, and on port days I went exploring with my sketchbook.
In April we went back to beautiful Purbeck in Dorset - though the weather was mixed we got out every day and had lots of sunshine. We went through the woods to Houns Tout with wonderful views, had a day at Peveril Point and Durlston country park (are you watching Springwatch?), did some sketching in Corfe Castle and Chapman's pool and did some exciting work in the studio when the rain came. We'll be back again at the beginning of October, there are a few spaces left so let me know if you'd like more information.
 2023 is already booking up - I'm booked on a cruise to Norway in June - I did this one in August/September this year and I'm excited to go back in June. I'm also running two Sketching and Painting holidays back in the beautiful Purbeck area of Dorset - we were there twice this year and had a wonderful time.   See the painting holidays page for more info
We had some fun painting icebergs & landscapes on the Greenland cruiseGreenland was everything I'd hoped for and more - it was an incredible experience. The most spectacular location was Illulissat with the ice fjord leading straight from the ice cap. We had two days there in perfect weather, time to do a long walk along the fjord, do some sketching and take hundreds of photos, and also time to do a boat trip around the icebergs and see some local people dressed in sealskin and beads for a confirmation celebration. Add to that the midnight sun (which was still high in the sky at 1.30 am!), many other wonderful experiences and the lovely people who came to my classes - it was an unforgettable trip!I'm so excited to be selected to teach watercolours on this wonderful cruise to Greenland, a destination I've always wanted to go to. The Orca team will be on board to help us spot the wildlife around us and to explain the ecology of the area. I will be offering opportunities to paint dolphins, seals and whales, luckily I've had plenty of chances to see lots of wildlife in the last few cruises and seeing them in their natural surroundings again will be added inspiration.
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