Hotel

- the interior of Hotel Es Port, Puerto Soller, Mallorca

Another from our holiday in Puerto Soller, Mallorca last May/June. Starting with an urban sketch in pencil from the interior of the Hotel Es Port. I sat in the bar looking at the olive presses which have now been beautifully restored and are part of the sitting area. I developed that pencil sketch (on the left) to a finished painting of the interior - it tested my skill!

- EsPort, Puerto Soller, Mallorca

This is an urban sketch of Es Port in Puerto Soller, Mallorca from our visit there last May. It's now an Hotel but it's been the centre of the Montis Family Estate for centuries. When I was sitting in front of the building sketching, 3 young people gathered round, followed by their grandfather. He turned out to be a consultant solicitor from London and he asked if I didn't mind that he sat down and had a chat. 90 minutes later we had to break up! He was such an interesting person, we talked about lots of things including "copyright"! I had to go back the next day to finish painting! We were on holiday so it was all part of our enjoyment. Michel, the President of the "Soller French Society" has now got a digital copy of this image to use in his talks and information promoting the links between France and Mallorca - Soller and the traditional export of oranges in particular - so we're all happy! Michel introduced us to the latest Head of the Montis family and showed us around the old, refurbished parts of the House/Hotel - in particular the old olive pressing facilities and storage which I shall post images of (soon).

- my artwork at the Leopold Hotel

Popped into the Leopold Hotel in Sheffield yesterday. Two of my original paintings of the Hotel are now hanging in the main lounge/bar, images of my work are on the drinks & food menu and various items around the Hotel. Thanks to Frederic the manager.