norman ackroyd has been a familiar face to the boatmen of the british isles for the past 50 years, often requiring their services to take him out on the water, where he paints the coastal landscape in vivid watercolours. these journeys, which can last up to fourteen hours, are the result of extensive reading and research.

a shetland notebook contains 39 watercolours selected from several journeys to the edges of shetland in the spring and summer of 2012. from the verdant flora of the southern isles to the rugged northern cliffs of unst and esha ness, the book paints a vivid portrait of one of the most intriguing yet inhospitable corners of the british isles. each sketch is accompanied by a brief but engaging commentary by the artist.