Sometimes a quick sketch under trying conditions such as rain works; you met people also sheltering from the rain and talk; the above lightening sketch of buildings in the cathedral close at Exeter falls into that category.

  It was windy and spitting rain, the type of rain which just does not work with ink. So there I was stood under an awning, sheltering and sketching away. There was a "Big Issue" seller under the awning as well, trying to keep dry. We chatted, he was a really ok guy, late forties, just divorced, lost is job, down on his luck. He wasn't feeling sorry for himself, he will recover, but at the moment life is tough.

Most of my friends, including myself are very fortunate; we live such privileged lives.