Notes from the sketch book

“You see, Father, by creating a little destruction, I'm actually encouraging life. In reality, you and I are in the same business. Cheers” We are kicking of a whole fortnight of art inspired by The Fifth Element, with a couple of tee's. How I landed on a whole fortnight of work from a semi success (but with a cult following) is a bit of a happy accident as when the film came out in the 1990s my reaction was Luke warm. I saw it in the cinema and didn't really give it much thought until now. More on that on...

The second piece in a collection celebrating 'Where I Live'. My home area of Dorset is such a beautiful and inspiring landscape, full of outdoor wonders and amazing natural attractions. Last week I shared the initial sketch that was inspired by our visit to Corfe Castle which you can read here.  The Castle ruins are located on the Isle of Purbeck, built by William the Conqueror, the castle dates to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. From the top of the castle to the north there are views...

"The legacy of the tournament was already made before that final game - what we've done for women and young girls who can look up and aspire to be us…. we've changed the game in this country" On the last Sunday in July 2022, women's football in Britain hopefully changed forever. Over 17 million watched on TV and a record-breaking 87,000 cheered at Wembley to see England women overcome the 8-time winners Germany. The atmosphere was one of celebration, families together sharing memories in stark contrast to the men's final last year which descended into chaotic scenes. With the win...

“Hailing frequencies open, sir.” Nichols, who played communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek TV series and feature films passed away on Saturday at the age of 89. She later collaborated with NASA to find underrepresented groups for the space programme. Nichols gained long-lasting fame thanks to Star Trek, her role as one of the leads helped break new ground and began the slow breaking of barriers of racism and backwards thinking in television during the 60s. “I think many people took it into their hearts … that what was being said on TV at that time was...

On this day in 1866 English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist Beatrix Potter was born. She is best known for her children's books featuring animals, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck amongst others. Potter was raised alone and schooled by governesses having been born into an upper-middle-class family. She loved her pets and vacationed in Scotland and the Lake District, where she developed a love of the outdoors and animals, which she carefully studied and painted. She was passionate about entomology, researched archaeological artefacts from London digs, and collected fossils. She painted...