Those of you who subscribe to the Leisure Painter or Artist magazine may have spotted me on the front cover of the Art Holidays & Courses supplement. I was asked to contribute my top tips for painting in a hot climate. Today, I’m going to give my top tips for working when it’s cold wet and miserable; • If you’re going to a remote area, leave information of your route where you’re staying in case of a mishap. • Watercolours are pretty difficult in wet weather, try watercolour pencils instead, pressed to the paper surface they work in the wettest conditions. • Try taking a brulee gun (like cooks use). Small and portable they’re the best thing for drying your work until someone invents the battery hairdryer. • Spiral bound sketchbooks are easier to fold on themselves, plus an elastic band to secure the pages. • Try oil pastel – it’s brilliant! • Store your camera and other sensitive equipment in a grip-seal plastic bag. • In really bad weather, make some quick pencil notation, this will train your eye to take down the essential information and then, this is the best bit… find a cosy pub or café to finish off your work in the dry.