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.

If you are interested in a painting click here to contact me 

Art on the Boardwalk, Lavender Bay, Sydney

Last Sunday I participated in Art on the Boardwalk for the first time. Despite the forecast it turned out to be a fine Sydney day. For those not familiar with Sydney, Lavender Bay is on the north shore, just west of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It overlooks the Sydney skyline and it is a fabulous location for "plein air" painting particularly on a day like this with plenty of sunshine. It is amazing to realise that this location is only minutes (or 1 train stop) from the CBD.

About 30 artists participated with musicians and mime artists, and whilst the day was about painting on location it was nice chatting to the many people passing by. Mosman Daily newspaper  reported that there was 10,000 people who walked the boardwalk on the day. It kept us fairly busy chatting and answering questions about painting, etc. The interest people had in the paintings was very heartening, also  many people talked about wanting to learn how to paint. In short it was a great fun day and very well organised by the North Sydney council.

 I did not get my demo painting finished on the day. Too much chatting , but here is the finished painting below.

Opera House, Luna Park and Harbour Bridge from Lavender Bay
Oil on Board 10 x 12 inches (25cm x 30cm)

Working hard.

Chatting to people about painting 

If you are interested in purchasing a painting click here to contact me