MARLOES in flags

Yesterday I added this picture to my Welcome page. If you hadn’t realised, those are International Code of Signals letter flags.

I created this design for a postcard; a separate post about that coming to my Cards section soon. It has no meaning as a communication: traditionally flags were flown in four letter vertical groups to convey a huge variety of predetermined signals. Meanwhile here are the meanings of the individual flags – together making a rather inconsistent message…

M MIKE My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
A ALFA I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
R ROMEO (Pre 1969:) The way is off my ship; you may feel your way past me.
L LIMA You should stop your vessel instantly.
O OSCAR Man overboard.
E ECHO I am altering my course to starboard.
S SIERRA I am operating astern propulsion.

Rosemary Russet

It is blossom time, and my Rosemary Russet apple tree is looking its best; so, here is a painting from a few years ago. Rosemary Russets are lovely eating apples, quite sharp and well flavoured. They are relatively smooth as russets go: nothing like the sharkskin feel of an Egremont Russet!

Oil on panel
8″ x 8″
Private collection

Rosemary Russet

Architectural Sketch

…Well, let’s say this is much more like a formal architectural sketch than most of my drawings. Another composition from the imagination, envisaging an important location in the story I am working on (very slowly).

Musselwick Barley

I managed very little painting in 2024: I had so many things on my to-do list. But I was longing to paint; and when in August along came a settled spell of warm weather with clear skies, I seized the opportunity to go and work on the spot without needing umpteen layers and a deal of weight to hold the easel down! As for what subject to choose – I walk this path most days, so I already knew how this view should be tackled.