Yesterday was super, one of those rare days when we were both free, so off we went to London. After a little business work we ended in Covent Garden, a place we both love. We went to Gudrums a Swedish clothing retailer which produces stunning designs, which also look good on Liz. So her Christmas present was easy to choose.

For various reasons this was my first trip into London for several months, so a sketch was a must. The above is of the junction of Garrick Street, Cranbourne Street and St Martins Lane. There was no chance of Liz hanging around in the cold for me to enjoy my art, so a photo had to do and then to work it up later.

I would always say that working in the open air, whilst looking at the subject is always the best by far, but sometimes that just is not possible. On those occasions, such as when your wife says no!working from a photo is acceptable. A word of caution; if the work is going to be sold or displayed, to copy another persons photo is plagiary and not then permissible as original and your work. The simple answer is, carry a camera with you, and work from your own photos. The sketch is of

P.S. Liz got a lovely top, slacks and necklace.