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Emergence of 2018

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Well this is it, another year, and totally impossible to absorb that we are already through 1/4 of the year !!! Everyone is saying it and everyone is thinking it - where is time disappearing??   Not just the oldies anymore, young at school all saying the same.   Makes me think my science fiction books are starting to come true - well every other thing used to read is happening so why not that. Anyway, continuing to go out painting and although not posting for a while - still painting. Here is one have recently undertaken up on the North Shore of Auckland at Arkles Bay. Showing a progression from blank to completed.      Oils on oil paper 9x19inches (23x49cms) Shocking winter, exceedingly hot summer and now, just right.   Hoping this weather will hold out and we can all enjoy our plein air days out painting at some fantastic locations.  Was out with the Auckland Plein Air Group in NZ.  ( www.papnz.co.nz ). 

The colours of Perth

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I mentioned previously the colours Perth displayed in its glory.      The sea turquoise, emerald, azure, and list can go on.    Decided to take a day and travel down to Rottenest Island, one hour south from Perth, and across by ferry from Freemantle. The beautiful waters surrounding Perth. This one taken whilst traveling around Rottenest Island. Walked from the ferry across to information centre, bought ticket for local bus which takes tourists around the island.  Once fare paid, was able to stay on the bus as long as I wished - and I wished!   Far too cold and windy, and was thoroughly enjoyable as took many photos from the bus and second time around knew what was coming up in order to have the camera at the ready. One of the beautiful beaches at Rottenest. Again the wind was up.   Terribly cold and quite a breeze.   The ferry across to the island was fine and a bit of up and down, but... oh my goodness coming back another story.   We went up, down, banged down, roll

Whilst in Perth, Australia ...and my first ever 'paint-out'

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As am planning another trip over to Australia next week thought would post something which sort of continues on from my blog on my travel from NZ across to Perth last year.   Quite a long flight across to Perth if flying straight around 7/8 hours.    Decided to break my trip and flew from Auckland across to Sydney, a couple of hours flying and then maybe an hour or so awaiting next flight to Perth, which was then 5 hours.  Good that I did as long flights are just not for me and up and down to exercise and use the 'you know what' weren't for me. Painting en plein air at Mandurah Plein Air Paintout Arriving well after 10pm was collected by the lady who offered to look after a stranger in her home for 2 weeks of which I was so appreciative of.  A single lady herself it must have been quite difficult to have a stranger in her home - but believe we did quite well.   We both agreed maybe two weeks a bit long and a break in between would have been great, however

Gallery piece - Winters Snow Waters Edge

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Oil painting undertaken on unstretched 12oz canvas.

Bright spots in my garden, roses blooming

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My poor garden.  This year I have neglected it whereas last year we had some rain and garden was lovely. The picture below is what my front garden was like last year.  Am afraid not like this picture as at present, grass is very dry and some of the flowers did not show well.  Very dry with no rain for days and days. My roses have had their first blooming and starting to bud/flower again, probably very thirsty.   Prediction of rain every now and then however nothing eventuates.   Looks like the hose pipe is definitely going to have to be used. Some of my roses .....