Friday 31 January 2020

big vistas

Looking towards Treble Cone and Black Peak from the Hawea River Track


Of course us lucky folk who live near the Southern Alps in New Zealand have the most wonderful big vistas at almost every turn of the road, or, for many, from the lounge window. Since the beginning of the year I've been adding many of these to my sketchbook. Here are a few for you to enjoy!


Glendhu Bay Campground and the Motutapu Valley


View from Sticky Forest over Lake Wanaka and towards Black Peak, Fog Peak and Niger Peak


Secret Beach, West Coast

Lake Hayes looking towards Cecil Peak


At the Wanaka Lavender Farm looking towards Crifflel Peak and Mt Barker

Do you have a big vista you would like captured in watercolour? Please get in touch, I'm open for commissions at the moment :-)


Friday 17 January 2020

painting flowers in watercolour and ink : class photos

Little packages of arty materials and a room full of flowers

Another fantastic Saturday with 7 lovely folks painting flowers. 

We spent the morning learning a bit of watercolour theory - how to apply washes, wet on dry vs wet on wet, mark making, transparent vs opaque colours and some colour mixing theory.
In the afternoon the students dived in with painting fresh flowers of their choice.

Everyone worked hard, they took away a heap of new skills and I'm looking forward to them sharing their next paintings with me.


Watercolour theory


Watercolour theory


Watercolour theory


Painting Spanish Lavender


Grannie's Bonnet in watercolour and ink


Dahlia in watercolour and ink


Hydrangea petals in watercolour and ink

Getting started painting flowers in watercolour and ink


My next workshop is learning to paint outside. It's a full weekend course on 1 & 2 February 2020. I have one spot left. Get in touch if you'd like that space to be yours.


Friday 10 January 2020

painting an oak tree in watercolour




New year, new video. Someone asked for a tree! So here's a big summer oak for you. Enjoy! Materials... Paper : Fabriano, 300gsm Brushes : Escoda Perla No.10, A.S. Handover No.2 Paints : Cadmium Yellow Light, Sap Green, Quinacridone Gold, Paynes Grey, Burnt Sienna, Sepia Pen : Lamy Safari F nib, DeAtramentis Document Ink (Black) Music... "Remember" by David Walden

Sunday 5 January 2020

old gold mining history

The remains of Welshtown, Bendigo

Over the last little while I've been exploring some of our local gold mining history of Central Otago. The remains of the old settlements from a completely different era really capture my imagination. The land is completely changed by man from forested slopes to barren, dessert like hills and scarred cliff faces. It's hard to imagine there ever being thriving, humming communities in these parts. But there were!

Nowadays there's still gold in these hills, but we call it Pinot Noir ;-)


Exploring the old gold workings at Welshtown, Bendigo


Old wagon, Bendigo


The road up to Welshtown, Bendigo


Restored cottage, Stewart Town, Bannockburn


Bannockburn Sluicings


Old miner's cottage, Cardrona Hotel