The year's last, loveliest smile!

 Watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm 12″ × 8″

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For me, Autumn holds a special fascination. First of all because my birthday is in Autumn in May, and although May could officially be classified as Winter, here in South Africa some of our most gorgeous days are in May – clear, cloudless skies, temperatures still in the early 20 degrees Celsius and a landscape filled with colour, with Nature unwilling to let go of her summer finery. It is also the month for mid-year tax returns, and I always enjoy getting that out of the way!

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Burning Desire

“When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it.”
- W. Clement Stone (American best selling Author - 1902-2002)

A daily practice of sketching and painting gives you a chance to exercise the big three P's - practice, practice, practice!

W&N Watercolour in Moleskine 200gsm Folio watercolour sketch-book - 12" x 8"

Sometimes my work is inspired by a sight or sound, sometimes by a few words. Here I was testing out how the colours flow on my new Moleskine sketch-book's paper and it turned into a bit of an abstract exercise. I very rarely do abstracts, even in acrylics or oils, but I might just try a few more!

Abstract Spring

“Rays from the sunrise drew forth the buds and stretched them into long stalks, lifted up sap in noiseless streams, opened petals, and sucked out scents in invisible jets and breathings.”
- Thomas Hardy

A daily practice of sketching and painting gives you a chance to exercise the big three P's - practice, practice, practice!


"Abstract Spring" - watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm - 12" x 8"

Spring has arrived in South Africa, and although you wouldn't believe it today (we had another cold front creep in like a thief in the night!), the changing colours of the landscape is proof enough, as well as the appearance of the black-headed Oriole, delighting in the rich nectar offered by the Aloes (which are winter-flowering), and which will still offer their sweetness to the birds as if to make sure they are well-provided for during the last of the cold.

Karoo Storm

stunning heat:
even the birds
are silent

A small poem from WATERMARKS

My daily sketch ...


"Karoo Storm" abstract watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm - Maree©