Hi Reader, The seasons are turning — spring is arriving for many, and for others the light is shifting into that beautiful golden autumn softness. Whichever way it's going for you, it's a good moment to slow down, notice the colours and paint. I'm heading from spring into autumn myself shortly — off to South Africa to visit places I know and love, with plenty of family time and my sketchbook the first thing packed into my bag. South African inspired postcards Before I go, I wrote something...

Hi Reader, Morocco this year was full of magical moments. Imagine ... Marrakech, just before sunset. Pencils down, watercolours out - and then the call to prayer begins over the Koutoubia Mosque. Harrison and I planned this moment for months. It still took our breath away. The sound rang out across the square just as we finished our sketches. Straight after, the lights came on and the mosque lit up against the evening sky. A perfect moment - and a wonderful last plein air session of the week....

Hi Reader, I'm writing this from my studio, still buzzing from last week's Morocco retreat. The laughter around the dinner table, the riot of colour in the souks, the snow capped mountains in the desert, the heaps of sketches we all made capturing our memories - it was everything I'd hoped for and more. My first retreat of the year, and what a way to start! In this email I'm opening bookings for my 2027 calendar. Four incredible locations, each with its own magic. Marrakech, MoroccoFebruary...