Today I am whisking you all back to France in a heatwave.

The thing about heatwaves is that they are relentlessly hot. A campervan holiday in 35 degrees is an exercise in trying really hard to keep cool when stationary. Humans are one consideration but a curly haired dog is quite another. For her sake we booked into a cool Airbnb for three days.

A heatwave is not great for art or photography. The sun makes photographs really pretty dull as deep shadows and bright sunlight drown out detail

And the baking heat dries out paints far too quickly for anything useful to be achieved. I tried. All attempts are in the bin.

Oh my arty bones were very frustrated I really wanted to show some of the beautiful places we visited.

Our day at Conleau was just one of those days.

A really fascinating scene but the magic and vibrancy is lost in bright sunlight and deep shadow.

For some inexplicable reason, after being drenched by heavy summer rain I decided today was the day to paint Conleau.

The things you could never see on any of my photographs were the children having a school lesson on the beach.

The beautiful 1930’s changing rooms and cafe. With wrestling teenagers in the foreground.

And the yachts moored up beyond the sea pool.

I really wanted the whole scene to vibrate for the viewer. Funny that I have achieved it during a rainy day in Devon.

My aim was for vibrant and languid all in one picture.

I think I am done.