Next to the natural history museum is the Museum of Western Art.
Outside there were signs that there might be some significant artists represented.
I didn’t take any photos inside, but this gives you an idea of what is in the permanent collection. As I like Impressionism a lot, I certainly enjoyed the museum, particularly its dedicated room to Monet. I guess the Japanese like his work too.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Health issues meant that I haven’t wielded my camera at all in the last few months. Don’t despair though, I have a trip planned between now and Christmas.
Deb at Larapinta Creative has posted an extensive blog on the June Running Waters camp, featuring art works and photos from all five of us. Check it out here.
Back at home, I have been busy painting bigger works out of my photos and smaller pictures.
Of course, the cliffs were a big feature. I just can’t seem to get enough of them.
And the white trunked gums – they’re so elegant.
Well, that’s all from Central Australia. It’s been a very inspiring and creative time.
Remember the clay pan and how we all used the clay to paint with? I really liked painting with it to recreate the clay pan surface.
I also did a few pure watercolour works: of the grasses on rock and the trees at sunset.
But our biggest project that week was to create a concertina book, and fill it. I used all the techniques and mediums that I learned:
1) Oil pastels covered by black ink and then scratched
2) Watercolours
3) Inks
4) Clay with ink and oil pastels
Yes, there was also plenty of art-making going on at camp. I had my trusty sketch book so I could do quick watercolours on the go.
We learned how to work with oil pastels and ink – new mediums to me. Their strong colours really worked when depicting the outback. I learned how to combine these with watercolours, as this work demostrates.
We did some exploring on the surface of the clay pan…
Before settling down to study the clay pan itself.
What can a group of artists do on a clay pan? Use the clay as a medium, of course. The clay could be diluted in a bit of water, and used as paint. A great substitute for burnt sienna.
Going back to the desert this weekend, for an art camp. But before I do, time to get in some practice from a photo I took last time.
My teacher had brought in a book of Australian birds, and the cover bird was so cute that I had to try painting it. It’s a Variegated Fairy Wren, and can be found in many parts of Australia.
It’s been awhile since I visited Oatley Park baths, but I have enough photos and memories to recreate the scene.
I have kept up with my watercolour painting in recent months through my arts and craft group, and I’ll share a few with you.
Inspired by the beautiful autumn leaves at Jamberoo Abbey, I painted this wistful scene in watercolours of a walk through the woods.
Static and Silence 