Early morning hair washing caught at V&A Waterfront...

They say a picture paints a thousand words... and they also say that the only thing better than word of mouth when it comes to marketing one's creations is for someone to experience it for themselves. As a Brit now living in Mossel Bay, it was one of my oils of London's old style Route Master bus that got his attention. But it was a painting of Cape Town's most iconic and impressive view which he most desired, and commissioned!

A view of Table Mountain from the Waterfront was requested, and so a photo shoot was required. While I mostly paint plein air (outside, in the elements, and with the natural light), there are some occasions where I will first take a photo and work from that! But I will always ensure that it is my own photo, my own artistic viewpoint and angle!

On a chilly June winter's morning, we headed off on a 'business trip' to the V&A Waterfront, arriving at 7am to capture the morning light! Not only did we capture the first light of the day, but I also managed to snap this shot of a local resident using a tap to wash his hair!

Using the structure of the photo I built layers of oils over the following weeks, allowing our beloved mountain to take shape and be born as it is today!

I also ad lib'ed with some more exotic sea to add a sweeping effect to draw you into the painting... and of course the ultimate approval has to come from the client, so in his marvellous Mancunian accent he delighted at how he was over the moon! He had it framed himself and said how happy he was to have collected the final framed mountain in the Mother City on his birthday!

Why I wear a flower behind my ear...

If I had my life to live over,
I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have on this trip.
I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
I would take more chances, I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
and watch more sunsets.
I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who lives
prophylactically and sensibly and sanely,
hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I have had my moments
And if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments,one after another.
Instead of living so many years ahead each day.
I have been one of those people who never go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a
raincoat, and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.
I'd travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades
except by accident.
I would ride on merry-go-rounds.

I'd pick more daisies!