Original artwork description:

Every year a barge race is held in Essex on the River Blackwater downriver from Maldon where many barges moor. The barges congregate the evening before the race and then sail out into the estuary and back. As a child my father had a small boat at Heybridge Basin a mile downriver from Maldon and we would sail down to watch the start. This scene depicts the barges at anchor as they prepare for the race. The changing sky suggests a dramatic race to come.

Materials used:

Windsor & Newton artist quality watercolours; Cobolt Blue, Light Red, Burnt Sienna on Bockingford 200lb paper.