Emma Bradley Art

03/09/2026

The Nomadic Narrowboat - Tales of a Roving Trader

Life aboard the canal has a funny way of pushing you way out of your comfort zone…

Case in point: how on earth did I manage to wind up on the radio?

It all started back in spring at the Startops floating market in Hertfordshire. The lovely Chantelle, a presenter for , happened to wander past my stall, kindly bought some of my artwork, and did a live broadcast about the RCTA market. Then, to my utter surprise and delight, her delightful mum turned up at another market in Berkhamsted and bought some art too!

That was lovely enough, but then Chantelle asked if she could interview me for her radio show about canal life and my paintings. Cue total panic.

If you know me, you know my 'menopause brain' is in full swing, and social word blindness is very real—I regularly lose words right when I need them most! I was convinced I’d just sit there gaping like a landed fish.

We arranged to meet on the towpath right by Apsley Bottom Lock No. 67 in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead. Thankfully, Chantelle has such a calm, soothing presence that she managed to put me completely at ease. I actually managed to talk about my painting without scrambling my words too badly, and I even remembered to give a massive shoutout to the Roving Canal Traders Association, who make this whole floating life possible.

The interview aired last week on Mix 92.6. Did I listen to it with pride? Absolutely not. I was metaphorically wedged under a sofa cushion with a cringe factor of about 97%. Does anyone actually like the sound of their own recorded voice?

Still, I'm just so grateful for what this roving life offers. Being a canal trader means constantly adapting, sharing the towpaths with brilliant fellow makers, and connecting with wonderful local communities at every single lock and mooring. It’s a privilege to live this nomadic lifestyle, and if doing a slightly terrifying radio chat helps shine a light on our quirky little community on the water, then every cringey second was well worth it!

❤️🚢🎨

30/08/2026

A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits at the Campbell Park Floating Market today! 🌧️🎨

Even with the downpour, these lovely art lovers stopped by the floating gallery, braved the weather under the plastic covers, and went home with new pieces. So grateful for everyone who came out to support floating traders today—rain or shine, the energy next to the marina was incredible! ✨💙

Open again tomorrow from 10am to 5pm.
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28/08/2026

This week's blog!

26/08/2026

Earlier this month, I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone and had a wonderful chat with Chantelle from Mix 92.6 radio about my watercolour art and what daily life is really like living aboard on the canal! 🎙️🎨

I’ll admit, I was terribly nervous before we started, but Chantelle was so warm and welcoming that she put me at ease straight away.

The interview airs tomorrow at 10:00 am. I’ll definitely be tuning in—though quite possibly with my head half under a cushion, as I always struggle to listen to the sound of my own voice! 🙈

Despite the nerves, I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to share my journey, my paintings, and a slice of this beautiful floating life with their listeners.

If you fancy tuning in, grab a cup of tea and give it a listen at 10:00 am on Mix 92.6! 📻✨

19/08/2026

Lost in the quiet depths of the canopy 🌲✨

Into The Wood brings the rugged beauty of nature indoors. Built up with crinkled tissue paper, deep indigo washes, and mossy greens, this piece captures the wild texture of tree bark, the soft glow of distant light, and the silent motion of woodland wildlife.

Whether you love exploring dense forests or simply want to bring a piece of the outdoors onto your walls, this atmospheric landscape was created to evoke that peaceful, grounding feel of a woodland walk.

Prints and original artwork are available now! Tap the link in bio to explore the collection. 🎨🍃

16/08/2026

For the people of Stourbridge who have lost all their belongings and homes in the devistating fire.

Raising funds to support people affected by the Stourbridge wildfire, helping people recover and rebuild their lives.

15/08/2026

Come on down to the Crystal Palace and say Hello!

13/08/2026

The Nomadic Narrowboat - Tales of a Roving Trader

Ah, the romance of the waterways! You picture yourself gracefully gliding down the cut, a cup of tea in hand, master of your own floating domain. Then reality steps in, complete with missing keys, vanishing pens, and a dog who simply couldn't care less.

We were literally just just about to leave a lock when B & W Fuels hove into view. It was brilliant timing, as we were actually in need of fuel! The only hitch was that my brain decided to play hide-and-seek with the key to Waratah’s tank right at that moment.

Meanwhile, did the fuel boat dog, Amber, offer a single word of encouragement? Absolutely not. In the baking afternoon heat, Amber was far too deeply invested in a magnificent nap to give us the time of day. Utterly scandalous customer service from the canine department.

Naturally, the chaos didn’t stop there. The chap running the boat then lost his pen—the absolute sacred tool required for the legal fuel levy declaration. Fortunately, writing utensils are my specialty, so I swooped in to save the day with one of my own from my vast biro collection.

Once the key finally turned up and the diesel started flowing into Waratah, David had to execute a careful little balancing act along the gunwhales toward the end of the transaction to reach the card reader.

Right around then, I sheepishly confessed our recent boating crime: we had just panic-bought aggressively expensive gas from a campsite, fully convinced we were on the brink of running out.

Turns out, my gas wasn't running low at all. The flame was merely gasping for air because a fierce breeze from the galley window was waging a personal vendetta against it. Imagine my absolute chagrin to discover that B & W Fuels sells it for a fraction of the price, and our emergency stash was entirely unnecessary! Still, at least we're fully stocked now, provided the wind stops trying to sabotage our dinner. I shan't make that mistake again!