My Process

Charts and Race Reports

I believe my process is quite unique, but to me combining the artist and engineer is logical. Usually I’ll begin with reading a race report from the NY Times or, for English races, the Yachtsman. Something in the report will get my attention.

Research to Story Boards

I will then reread the report and plot out the race first in a sketch book noting the key moments in the race. I often make initial sketches in the form of a story board.

Then I’ll build chart table models to actually re-enact the race with

These models can then be used to re-enact the race with, positioning a light to mimic the suns position at the time. I’ll then photograph and sketch the different views looking for an angle that best captures the action.

Sketches

From my thumbnails I select one idea that I’d like to develop and produce a simple sketch.

The idea is further developed in a colour study

I’ll often visit the venue of the race to be depicted and local museums to study models etc.

Time on the water is so important to understand how the hull moves through the water and the interaction with light.

Models 1:30th scale

Based on my research I’ll then build a 1:30th scale model of the principal subject of the painting. Building this detailed model really allows me to get a real understanding of my subject.

Crew

In my work the crew are often the focal point so I have built a full size deck at 30 deg of heel to mock up a yacht sailing close hauled with her rail down. I have commissioned a wardrobe of costumes so I can pose my crew in authentic livery in the positions I want. My partner , Caroline is often pressed into service for this

based on my full scale re-enactment I’ll build 3d models of the crew which can then be printed out in 3d and positioned on my 1:30th scale model. with the correct lighting I can then study the reflections and shadows cast.