James Barrett

Painted at the end of a windswept hot day on the beach at Croyde in North Devon. The tide was right out, giving a wonderful panoramic perspective, with a darkening sky full of energy

Loire, Saumur, lac de rille

The play of light was the main consideration in this picture, with the orange glow emitted from the other side of the water. Commendation at RWA exhibition.

A view of the foresail and bowsprit on board 'Guiding Star', a 102 year old Looe lugger, having set sail from Dartmouth for Brixham in the Dartmouth Regatta Old Gaffers Race. On set-off we had witnessed Dartmouth from the water veiled in thick smoke from the horrific fire which destroyed some of the town's most historic buildings that day in 2010.

The old sailing workboats hold a special fascination for me, part of our rich sea-faring and fishing heritage which is so fast and so sadly dying out. 'Guiding Star' is a Looe Lugger. Until 1936, she fished between Brixham and the Isles of Scilly after which she was converted to a yacht. The 1907 gaff-ketch lugger, built of carvel wood by Angear, underwent a massive re-build by her current owners, making her fit for another century.