Hi Reader, Due to a cancellation, a room has just opened up on my Italy retreat ... 18–25 September at Hotel Leone, Montelparo, Le Marche. A week of plein air watercolour in a genuinely beautiful corner of Italy. We'll be staying in a boutique palazzo, enjoying late summer light, exploring medieval villages and everything is taken care of. If you've been thinking about it - or if this is the first you're hearing of it - the full details are on my website. Your non-painting partner is welcome...

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....