Everest beckons Colaton Raleigh artist Alan Cotton

Explorer David Hempleman-Adams to accompany artist Alan Cotton on Everest venture

UNDAUNTED after a failed attempt to act as official artist for an Everest expedition in May, Colaton Raleigh artist Alan Cotton is to return to Nepal to try again.

After being invited by explorer David Hempleman-Adams to record his summit climb, pro-Tibetan protestors put paid to his first trip.

Police carried out a night-time search of people in his group, then closed the road leading to Rongbuk Monastery, which they needed to reach to access first Expedition Base Camp.

Now, again at the invitation of David Hempleman-Adams, Alan will return next month with the explorer to draw scenes of Everest and fulfil a life’s ambition.

“David Hempleman-Adams was sad I didn’t get further. I have wanted to paint Everest for years and he has arranged and paid for a flight to Katmandu,” said Alan.

“We are then going by jeep, doing a 12-and-a-half hour drive up to 12,000 feet.”

He said the explorer would be accompanying him on the trip, which follows his London solo exhibition at Messum’s Gallery, Cork Street, London, which runs from now until Saturday, October 1.

“We will have less time to acclimatise and once we get to 21,000 or 22,000 feet David said he will tie me to a yak to get to second base camp!” said Alan, who spent months getting fit for the trip.

“We will be walking a lot to find different views. I want to make a series of drawings and watercolours, which I will produce for my London exhibition on September 12 next year.”

“It will be quite an adventure and I am absolutely thrilled David has pushed for it. He has done all the bookings.

“To go with one of the greatest explorers in the world - and he is a bit of a hero of mine - is fantastic.”