Central Australia - East MacDonnell Ranges Part 2 : Trephina Gorge

One of the highlights of our trip to the MacDonnell Ranges was the day spent painting and sketching at Trephina Gorge, about 85 kms east of Alice Springs. The landscape consists of sheer red rock quartzite cliffs with a shallow sandy creek running through, fringed by river gums.


Trephina Gorge
Acrylic on Paper

 on 300gsm watercolour paper

I unintentionally, but consistently painted a face in nearly all the rock faces that I drew or painted.



Trephina Gorge 2
Acrylic on Paper

16 x 6 inches (40 x 15 cms) on 300gsm watercolour paper

 

It was quite a hot day and the acrylic paint needed to be consistently sprayed to keep it workable. I

used a "stay wet palette" & did enjoy using acrylic on this trip. I was able to get a less finished look than I normally get with my usual oils, The rougher paper texture helped, as well as the need to paint quickly before the painting dried.

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Central Australia - East MacDonnell Ranges

Just back from a trip to the Red Centre of Australia. The first week was spent with a group of painters, photographers, etc. about 80kms east of Alice Springs around Ross River. We stayed in cabins in sub zero nights. It was the first time that I have experienced frozen pipes since I was a boy in Scotland. 

We had our meals from a mobile camp kitchen around a very welcome campfire, with a trip by 4WD bus to a different area each day.  It was a great experience being in the midst of the the unique palette of the outback. 



The Road to Ross River, East MacDonnell Ranges,

Acrylic and Watercolour

16 x 6 inches (40 x 15 cms) on 300gsm watercolour paper

 

Acrylic & watercolour paint were more convenient to use on this trip, & the paintings were painted plein air (on site).

 

One of the highlights was the brightness & density of the stars, particularly the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. Everyone tells you how amazing the skies are at night in the outback, but you can't appreciate the extent until you see it. Whilst the Southern Cross is visible in Sydney, the milky way can't be seen by eye.

The Great Walls of China, East MacDonnell Ranges,

Acrylic and Watercolour

16 x 6 inches (40 x 15 cms) on 300gsm watercolour paper

 

More to come in part 2.

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