This basalt rock, virtually unchanged since Captain Vancouver stopped here for breakfast in 1793, towers some 283 feet above its island. It is probably part of the centre cone of an extinct volcano. Vancouver was visited by natives who tried to entice the British to join them at their village. However, since they had been attacked by natives the day before, Vancouver declined the offer. Seen from a distance, the rock reminded Captain Vancouver of the Eddystone lighthouse off Plymouth on England’s south coast, so he named it the New Eddystone Rock, still its name today.
The Grandeur of the Gardner Canal, Central west coast of British Columbia, Canada
Captain George Vancouver named the Gardner Canal in honour of Admiral Gardner, R.N. who was his sponsor at the British Admiralty. Forged by ancient volcanic upheaval and polished by glaciers the inlet is a marvel of geology. Glacial till turns the water aqua blue as waterfalls drop down vertical rock faces from the ice capped mountain tops. Vancouver’s exploration in open boats was conducted in cold wet weather with few comforts -it must have been gruelling work as they continued their great survey of the west coast.
Today the power plant for the massive Alluminum smelter at Kittimat is situated on the Kemano River that empties into this inlet.
Scudding Before the Weather
In the 1790’s the British Admiralty sent Captain George Vancouver on a voyage of discovery to the western part of the US and Canada to chart and enforce Britain’s claim to the land.
Sailing around the world to reach his destination, Vancouver’s ships “Discovery” and “Chatham” had to endure every possible condition – from the calms of the doldrums to storms in the great Southern Ocean. In this painting “Discovery” is shown scudding before the weather in southern latitudes almost under bare poles. Only 105 feet long, this tiny ship survived only because of her stoutness and the skill of her crew.
This is a small painting – one of over 50 – that I have produced to capture the stories of Captain Vancouver’s charting some of what is now California, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.
Changing Perspectives, Rio di San Travaso (Venice)
Changing Perspectives, Rio di San Travaso
This is Venice, with two gondolas passing the gondola shipyard on the left of the painting. This facility was a few blocks away from our hotel in the Dorsoduro area of Venice and we spent a lot of time watching the workers as they moved gondolas into and around the yard for repair. Two tourist vessels pass and you can see the winding canal twist and turn between the historic buildings. Many different vanishing points and sight lines are required as the buildings start to sink into the canals due to their instability. Nothing is straight in Venice!
This is one of the 15 contemporary paintings I produced for a major exhibition at the Winchester Gallery in Victoria, BC, Canada. I also produced 7 large historic Venice paintings and spent hours in the Naval Museum sketching and photographing the ship models and historic images of Venice Lagoon.
http://www.marina.difesa.it/en/Pagine/default.aspx
Conversation at Blue Rock (Nova Scotia, Canada)
I have enjoyed many visits to the beautiful Nova Scotia coast. Facinated by the many coves harbouring scores of small fishing vessels, I have enjoyed capturing these scenes in many paintings I have produced. Blue Rock is such a small community where stopping to pass the time of day with a fellow fisherman would be part of your day.
Early Morning Trade (Grand Canal, Venice)
Looking towards the Santa Maria Della Salute as the sun rises, small lighters are loading and delivering the goods that supplied the needs of the city. This, as then, is still the way all supplies, from soap to beer to furniture and building supplies are delivered.
HMCS Cape Breton (Atlantic Ocean off Nova Scotia, Canada)
This painting was commissioned by a gentleman who served aboard the river class frigate in World War 2. He has since passed away but kindly left the painting to me in his will.
Incident off Escape Point (Captain Vancouver in the Behm Canal, Alaska, USA)
Having traded peacefully with natives from a village in the Behm Canal (Alaska), Vancouver and his party were visited by a few canoes on the following day. After a peaceful exchange the natives became excessively troublesome – trying to steal items from the yawl.
An old woman in the stern of the largest canoe encouraged the warriors, who started to throw spears. Two of the British seamen were injured, but by successfully defending their position, Vancouver’s boats were able to escape. Vancouver named the position “Escape Point” and the bay from which the natives had come “Traitors Cove”. An example of how place names, that still survive today, were given.
This is one of over 50 paintings produced to capture the exploration of the West coast of North America by Captain George Vancouver during the summers of 1791, 1792 and 1793.
Into Wells Passage
Set in the Broughton Islands, the passage has a spectacular backdrop of mountains and islands. A popular cruising ground it is also a rich commercial fishing area.
Morning on the Rio Del Arsenale( Venice)
The Arsenale is a fascinating spot, so full of history. It was here that the great Venetian fleets were built.