I live close to Portsmouth Harbour and am fascinated by the sense of space, and the business of vessels in and out of the harbour. Portsmouth is a small and overcrowded city but its skyline against the changing skies and atmosphere never cease to enthral me. There can be moments of strange peace punctuated by the cries of curlews, oyster catchers, cormorants and various waders whose diverse characteristics elude me. Further away are the sculptured shapes of the Royal Navy: emotions of awe, pride and sadness as we mourn the loss of the Ark Royal, Invincible and Illustrious.