Original artwork description:

‘I am sure that I would rather be a bargee than occupy any position under Heaven that required attendance at an office. There are few callings, I should say, where a man gives up less of his liberty in return for regular meals.’

Robert Louis Stevenson

One of the most enjoyable aspects of plein air landscape painting in Europe is the abundance of canals and canal boats. Over the recent years, I have spent many days painting alongside the water and the boats – particularly in The Netherlands, as it is almost always possible to find a great composition therein. There is always a sense of romance and freedom of adventure associated with these narrow boats, and the bohemian lifestyles of those who lived in them.

Unfortunately, a large of the waterways around the world have been neglected over the last hundred or so years, but there always appears to be a group of enthusiast dedicated to restoring them to their best. Well done people!

Materials used:

oil paint

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