A quick sketch of St James's  Taunton done last year

Well I am back home now and back to the usual routine, sat at the Cornerhouse trying to wake up and be social for Mind.

Taunton went well. Its good to see a group of people use a new media, a new paper, and all that in new conditions, i.e. painting outside. So well done Taunton art group, I take my hat off to you.

Now back home and a few days before Liz and myself are off to Peterborough and New Wine, where I hope to meet again lots of old friends and give people a chance to see my work again.

The other day Liz and myself took a good friend of ours to Wisley RHS gardens, the weather was just right and a very pleasant afternoon was had by all. Whilst there the chance came to do a quick sketch of the pagoda.

Which brings me to the point, that tomorrow for a few days, we are off to Taunton in Somerset, to lead an art group. The subject is sketching when on holiday.

When you sketch several things occur. People talk to you, you relax and you look at things properly; as a result your memories are better of the places visited and I personally enjoy them more. Try it. The work doesn't have to be clever or even good in the worlds eyes; and I assure you that you will enjoy yourself.

See you in a few days.

As life slowly returns to normal, lets have one more image from Honfluer, this one is the first which I produced shortly after arriving; it is of the Lieutenant, a castle like structure by the inner basin. The castle has not survived, as sometime during the 18 or 17 hundreds the castle was demolished and the stones used to build the harbour. Hence after a varied military history, including Henry the V, Agincourt, Crecy and much more, the town was demilitarise.

Next week with Liz I amtraveling down to Taunton, Somerset and leading a group there; no rest for the wicked, I love it.

We arrived back in the Uk on Friday morning very early in the morning, a wonderful time was had by both Liz and myself. Hornfluer was one of those very special places.
The weather was glorious, the harbour town amazing, and everybody so friendly.

For a change it seemed right to concentrate on water-colours and black and white photography. Up several mornings at around six or seven, the light was very special and warm enough in shirt sleeves.

Lots of work ahead, firstly to sort out the Hornfleur images and then to finish the exhibition work for new wine, then in a few days I am leading a workshop in Taunton, so home and running.