Sometimes I wonder why I put up with all the discomfort of working en plein air. Why don't I just use photos like most people I know? They are better than ever now apparently, being digital and everything? Trouble is without the pressure to get it all done in half an hour because it is getting dark, without the easel being thrown about by the wind, without the rain squalls, without ending up nearly wearing the painting on the front of my jacket, would it really show the experience that I had on that day at that place. The answer of course is no, and that is why I do it and everyone thinks I am barking mad but I enjoy it really! Whilst this type of work is not very commercial it will probably always have a place in my own collection, and will always be able to take me back, brush stroke by brush stroke to the 16th November 2009 at 5 oclock in the afternoon!