I returned last week from ten days of painting in the stunning Capertee Valley, west of the Blue Mountains. Traveling with me were 13 wet oil paintings - stowed safely in purpose-built boxes. I'm excited to be inviting you to come and see them here, in Blaxland, on 2 - 3 December in an exhibition, entitled Realms and Ranges. The paintings capture the constantly changing moods of the sky and the shifting colours and fleeting shadows of the valleys and peaks of Glen Davis and surrounding mountains.
It was a wonderful, immersive experience working en plein air each day, with all the challenges and joys of the elements! Being grounded in nature, tramping through valleys and over clifftops, eating smoky food around the fire and waking with the birds at first light - all this renewed my passion and revitalised my spirit.
Whilst staying at Dalli's Campground, with hosts Steve and Donata, I facilitated a plein air sketching workshop, where participants learned to use charcoal to capture the tonal subtleties of Coco Creek. Doing this inspired me to schedule a similar workshop in Glenbrook early next year, which you can check out here, along with the other workshops coming up.
As it is nearly the end of the year, I now have 2024 Calendars available for order. They are an A4-sized, wall calendar with space for you to write on your appointments and of course, each month has a colour reproduction of one of my paintings for you to enjoy. You can order via my website.
So before Christmas busyness takes over, I’d love you to put the following exhibition dates in your calendar. Realms and Ranges is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December. The drinks and canapés at 4 pm on Saturday will be a great opportunity to catch up and celebrate another year’s journey.
Please RSVP for catering - your family and friends are welcome as always.
DECEMBER EXHIBITION
Afternoon Breeze, Pantoneys Crown, oil on board, 30 x 54 cm, 2023, $1450
Glowing Cliffs, Glen Davis, oil on board, 30 x 54 cm, 2023, $1450
Plein air Charcoal Sketching Workshop, at Dalli’s Campground in Capertee Valley
As autumn arrives I consider what I may experience as I paint in the vast, dry landscape of the desert.