After the long trek over the border, I’m finally getting back into some plein air painting, other than my small travel diary. This morning in the botanical gardens, the temperature was ideal, not too hot, and the air clear and sunny. Unfortunately, every 20 minutes or so the fountains came on and it was a challenge to keep painting through the water! Good for memory skills! Am trying to be surer and more confident with colour and mark-making, trying to “go for it” and not worry about the end product!Well it’s been a while since I added to this - sandflies, wind, and trying to get some miles under my belt all conspired to reduce painting time on the road. Now in Kunnunurra for a few days. The light is so clear and the colours so beautiful and unique here in the Kimberley. I was happy with the distance in this painting but not so with the water. Am trying to be looser, but this isn’t what I had in mind. Still, it’s all practice.The Kennedy Ranges on the edge of the Gascoyne, form spectacular sandstone cliffs interspersed with steep canyons. I spent 4 warm sunny days (chilly nights) at Temple Gorge, painting and bushwalking. I must admit, they were very lazy plein air sessions - all these paintings were done from the door of my campervan. All I had to do each morning was look in a different direction. This proved very useful as there was little shade outside. The diversity of weathering patterns on these cliffs is quite amazing, providing many different shapes, and challenges (!) for the plein air painter.It’s impossible to pass through Carnarvon without noticing the bougainvillea which seems to be everywhere, and in a profusion of colours. While “slumming” it in a caravan park for water top ups and showers, this beautiful specimen was growing just outside the park entrance. It was the shadows on the white picket fence that caught my eye. Of course, you never have the right colour for these flowers, but that’s the way it is with pastels. Just go with what you’ve got!Lynton Station, just out of Gregory, was the site of the second convict settlement in WA, in 1853. There are some beautiful historic buildings remaining, including the restored home of the original resident, Lft Sanford, and remains of the convict depot established here. The old mill is one of the most attractive buildings, set in the garden of the current owners, Greg and Jenny. Thanks to them for allowing me to paint on their private garden. |