Packing for the weather in North Norfolk
Posted: September 15, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 18 CommentsI have a packing list that I use every time I travel to teach. Obviously there are variations for different climates. I don’t bring the same wardrobe to the Provence in the summer as I do to Tucson in winter. But I have to say that I did not pack correctly for last week’s workshop in North Norfolk, UK. Yes, I had a rain jacket. And I threw a lightweight down jacket into my suitcase at the last minute. But there was nothing that could have prepared me for the unseasonably chilly 9°C and high winds on the day we painted at Wells-next-the-Sea.
It’s funny to look at my sketches now because I chose a subject that reflects the town that I read about online before leaving: a family friendly seaside vacation destination that’s known for its sandy beaches and its colourful beach huts. And we did sketch the colourful storefronts, the crab buckets and nets, the beach balls, the whirligigs and the plastic lighthouses.
But the sketch does not tell the whole story. If you walked by my hardy group of sketchers out on the street, you would see us wearing every piece of clothing we had with us, crouched over our sketchbooks, huddled in a group, trying to generate enough heat to get a sketch or two in before heading for some hot tea in a cafe. A few of us even found a fishing store to buy winter caps and fleece-lined gloves for extra warmth.
I don’t want you to think it wasn’t a wonderful week. Everything about it was fantastic. The White House is superb place to stay, and our painting locations were unique and gorgeous. I will post a few more sketches tomorrow. But I learned a lesson about being prepared, and now my new tuque and fleece-lined gloves have been added to my packing list.
But it looks lovely and sunny!
It was!! And we certainly sat in the sun for extra warmth!!
Glad you liked it 😬, indeed a beautiful place and a workshop to remember for a long time – you dealt with the weather like no one else would have done and as a result we all had a good time!
I LOVED it there and I would love to return. But now I will be prepared even if the forecast shows sun and warmth. Thank YOU for finding the best fishing shop ever.
Beautiful sunny sketch on what sounds like a normal English summer’s day to me!
I think someone forgot to send me the memo, Tony. Now I know!!
Looks like your group were having a very productive session, despite the elements 😉 I like the brilliant colours of the shop storefronts and their merchandise – really nice results 🙂
Thanks Chris! My group was incredibly productive and no one bailed!
The things we do for love (of painting)! Beautiful sketches
Thanks Denise. I’m glad we toughed it out!
Nice studies and life lessons! It is really funny how we can make the best of plans yet things force us to adapt. It’s amazing how much a cold, sharp wind can make you miserable! Glad you and the gang braved it out.
Miserable indeed. But next time I will be prepared for this!!
I’m glad we all made the best of it and the results from my group were incredible!
Too funny. I am trying not to laugh. You need to contact a local in advance. Winds from the north can be bitter anywhere in the UK at any time. Glad that you had a fun week.
Go ahead and laugh Paul. I give you permission for a hearty guffaw.
I thought that this Canadian could be prepared for this but clearly not. I am a city painter, not a maritime one.
I will be sure to ask you next time!!
I would add wool socks and wind breaker pants (rain) to be truly warm. I just bought fingerless alpaca gloves that are going to be permanent addition to my backpack. Love your art!
Wonder what the locals thought of the bunch of you all huddled up! LOL! The White House looks like an absolutely dreamy place to stay!
Your great sketches make it look deceptively summery. Sorry about the weather, but it looks like you all made the best of it. I usually keep fingerless gloves and earmuffs in my backpack all year…they do come in handy. I’ve used them on trips to Venice when it was a little colder than I expected.
Reminds me of the time we sketched on the banks of the “Old Mill”, in Vernon, France!!!! Chilly:)