Sunday 19th April

Once again dear friends, unto Branford Park. I will be there from 1 pm tomorrow. I'm going to attempt another version of this that I painted a couple of years ago.

Big board called for. A big subject. At least a 9x12. Hope to see you there. I believe that the weather will be fine.

I'm off to Bali soon for my daughter's wedding, so this may be our last meeting for a while. Don't forget the plein air show coming up in June. We could discuss this tomorrow.

Cheers, Ross.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Haven Road,Beachville,New Zealand

Sunday 12 April

It looks as if we will have a few fine spells tomorrow, and Branford Park, and the Maitai Cricket Ground are looking very autumnal. Lovely yellow, golds and reds emerging.

We have perhaps two or three weeks of fading glory, and then it will be all over for the year. Make the most of it people.

For those who might be interested, I have a small show of eighteen plein air paintings at the new Suter Cafe, in Halifax street. They are of the summer flowers found around Nelson.

It's always interesting to see how these small jewel like paintings frame up.

Cheers. Ross

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Easter Sunday, 5 April

Branford Park. 2 pm.

The leaves are turning. Lovely.

See you there.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The weather forecast for the past few days has been consistently promising rain. It probably will rain.

I am committed to painting outdoors every day this year, rain or shine. It is about to get interesting.

You dear friends are not, but even so, part of my promise to you and this group is that we would all have the opportunity to paint together at 2 pm every
Sunday, except when I'm out of town or overseas.

With this in mind, I have been thinking that on rainy days we could paint downtown under the shelter of the shop verandas. There are not usually a lot of people around on a wet Sunday afternoon. It could be a good time to study buildings, vehicles, and umbrellas. Heh.

This Sunday I suggest that we meet at Montgomery Square, near Whitcouls. If the day is fine, or the rain has passed, we can perhaps go on to Anzac Reserve.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Sunday 22 March. Montgomery Square.

Sunday 15th March.

Monaco again.

See you there at 2 pm.

Cheers!

Ross


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 8 March

I thought that it would be nice to explore the sea side again.
We can meet at the end of the Monaco peninsular. There is a nice little coffee bar there.
I painted there this week.
See you at 2pm

Cheers, Ross

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hermit lsland

The Waimea Estuary is huge. One of the biggest in New Zealand. I believe that there are hundreds of islands, some quite large, like Rabbit Island, and many very small, like this one, just of the end of Monaco, the peninsular suburb of Nelson.

This little Island, barely a hectare at high tide, has this ramshackle dwelling tucked behind some low growing coastal trees and shrubs. I don't know if anyone in fact lives there, but one passing local told me once, "That's where the hermit lives."

This may be so, or not, as the case may be, but I know if I ever felt a compelling urge to do the hermit thing, I can't imagine a more interesting and evocative setting.

Actually, I don't know what a hermit does. Do they sit and watch the tides come and go? Watch the seagull quarrelling over fishy remnants? No newspapers. That could be a blessing. I could read all the great books I promised myself I would read before I grew old.

But no. Probably not. I'd most likely continue to paint en plein air every day. Without distractions perhaps even twice a day. Now there's a thought...



15060. "Hermit Island." Oil on panel. 12x9 in. $150.

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my

Back at Rabbit Island

Today was a lovely sunny day, with a rising tide. I had to go out to Richmond on business, so afterwards I continued on to Rabbit Island. It has some wonderful views, and shady sheltered spots where you can set up and paint in relative comfort.

I don't know why, but I have very seldom been bothered by sand flies here over the years.

A very interesting collection of natives and exotics. Many pines, some very old and gnarled, a lot of mature eucalypts, and of course, regenerating scrub.




15057. "Rabbit Island, Rising Tide". Oil on panel. 8x10in. $150

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Plein air Sunday 1 March

Autumn is upon us. I note that the willows have all gone golden up the Maitai, and some have almost half their leaves gone too. One strong wind and it's all over for them.

Branford Park is turning now, but it will be a couple of weeks at least before it reaches it's full autumn glory.

I love the autumn colours. It allows me to put all the cadmiums on my palette.

As you probably are aware I'm a great believer in limiting myself to three primaries for most of my work, but autumn is different. Autumn is special. Touches of pure pigment straight from the tube. Yum!

I will write some time soon about the joy of paint, and the seduction of colour.

For now I will only mention in passing that today when I was painting the glorious flower beds in the Queens Gardens I really really missed my dioxidine purple. I haven't thought about that colour for nearly a year. Last autumn actually.

So there you are. We will meet in the Rose Garden on Sunday, 2pm, and look for the last of this summer's blooms...




- "Rose Garden, in the Queen's Gardens".

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 22 February.

Oops. Apologies.

I just checked and see that I have not posted this week

We have agreed to go back to the old ship again, before she is taken away, probably next month.

2pm. Miss Otago.

Ross


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Miss Otago

Five of us working around the old boat today. All very interesting interpretations. I rather hope that when we have our annual exhibition in June that they will all be on display.

I am aware that many people assume that when different people paint the same subject at the same time, that the results will look the same.

Not so.

When the perceived subject is filtered through different sensibilities the result will inevitably be different. At least as different as the personalities involved.l

Add in different media, differing sizes, and different agendas, and there so no surprise in finding that the paintings differ remarkably as well.

It should make for an interesting part of our annual show.




"Miss Otago." Looming large, from across the Maitai River.
Oil on panel. 6x8 in. Ross Whitlock.


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 15 February.

Hi all,

We will be returning to the Marina to paint "Miss Otago" again. Drive along Akersten Street until you see the old trawler up on the hard. I'll be there from about 2 pm. You will see my truck parked on the road.


When you see something like this you will know that you have arrived. Apparently she will be taken out and scuttled in deep water next month, so we will paint her while we can.
Remember "Alfred". Sigh. Great subject. Gone now.




Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 8th February

Hi all.

I'm going to be at the marina Sunday afternoon painting the "Miss Otago" yet again. To find it go along Akersten street towards the Maitai River. You will see her up on the hard.
She is a great subject. One tough lady. XX




This is my latest version. I'm going to paint her again same size, 6x8 in. but using a knife.

See you there 2 pm.

Cheers. Ross





Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Miss Otago.

This old trawler has had some bad moments recently. She banged up against rocks in Croiseiles Harbour during a storm, was salvaged, and has ended up here in Nelson, on the beach. She will sail again, but for now is resting up.
I find her rugged trawler hull irresistible, a plein air painter's dream. Today I painted her from her port side, against the sun. This is the second time I've painted her. I'll be back!



15035. "Miss Otago". Oil on panel. 6x8 inches. Sold.

Paintings from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at
rosswhitlock@ inspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Maitai,New Zealand

Misty Trees in Branford Park

Today it was raining when I arrived at Branford Park. It started out heavy, then eased to drizzle. I was quite taken with this clump of sodden trees. I liked the depth and the tangle, but there was also structure. Some light from distant fields could be seen, and they seemed much brighter than they actually were.
I never think of these paintings as necessarily finished works of art. Rather they are the opportunity to study interesting challenges. Sort of impressionist sketches in real time.

I think that this one works in a moody sort of way.

Wouldn't it be great if we had sublime subjects such as the Archway Rocks everyday? The simple fact is we don't and can't, but we can prepare ourselves for those special moments by making the best of what is available.

At least, that is what I keep telling myself while I'm standing plein air painting in the rain...



15032. "Misty Trees in Branford Park". Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Rainy day

Hi all,

Because we could see the rain coming in Hil and I did not linger in Golden Bay, but dropped the tent while it was still dry, and came home last night.
That was good, as we have a lot to do here preparing the house to get the floors sanded. Enough said. Whew !

Being here today I was able to go to the pavilion in Branford park. I was there at 2pm. The rain was easing then. No one else turned up. No problem. All is good.

Previously I had extended an invitation to anyone who want to see plein air painting in the rain to come to Branford Park. No one did. That is cool. It is supposed to be fun, and not everyone enjoys painting in the rain. Cheers!

In future, if it rains, I will go to wherever we arranged, and wait a few minutes. If no one turns up I'll just head off and do my own thing. The thing is, on wet days there are places you can stand and paint, but that is very much a question of personal preference. Much more sensible to stay at home. (I'm not sensible. Grin. I'm a pleinair painter.)

If you want to come out and experience rainy day painting phone or text me on 027 285 4697 and we can arrange to meet. Or if you arrive and I've already gone, phone or text and I'll tell you where I am.

In my experience the weather in Nelson is generally kind up until mid year. Hope to see you next Sunday. Venue yet to be determined.

Regards, Ross.



Painted on a rainy day at home. Not entirely a plein air painting as I was looking out the lounge window...


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 1February

It looks as if it will be raining. Never mind. I'm camping over at Golden Bay, painting the Archway Rocks at Wharariki. I will be coming home on Sunday and if it's raining I'll be coming home earlier.
For those who may want to know what plein air painting in the rain looks like, I will eventually be at the pavilion in Branford Park. I may be there at two, but probably by three.
There seems to be nothing else on offer, so why not join me.




Painted in the rain just south of Mangaweka in early December.
It can be done.
It's just a bit uncomfortable. Heh.


using BlogPress from my iPad

Anzac Memorial. Nelson

I painted this in the lovely Anzac Park in the centre of Nelson. It is a quiet contemplative place, and a delightful oasis from the bustle of town. The red geraniums caught my eye today. The gardens are more magnificent than usual. It must be because of the centennial. Seagulls are no respecters of monuments or memorials, so as he watched me painting, I returned the compliment and included him in the composition.



15028. "Anzac Memorial". Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any painting from this bolt may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Anzac Memorial

I was looking for some bright colour, and some shade to stand under, when I glanced into Anzac Park on the way past. I was captured by the brilliant scarlet of the geraniums. The gardens are more magnificent this year than usual. I think it must be because it is the centennial year that they are making a special effort. It is a very quiet moving place. A lovely oasis in the centre of the city. I note that seagulls are no respecters of monuments or memorials. He watched me painting so I returned the compliment and included him in the composition.



15028. "Anzac Memorial". Oil on panel. 6x8in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at
rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday in the Queens Gardens

I must apologise.
I'm running into some unanticipated problems running two blogs.
I find that sometimes I am inadvertently posting my daily painting blog onto the PAPON blog.
Bother. Never mind.

Here is the correct Sunday post.

We met in the Queens Gardens at 2pm. It was another scorcher, but fortunately there was plenty of shade. Again, there were six people painting, but a different group from last Sunday.

That gives us ten occasional painters and that is good. As long as there is a perceived need and interest then PAPON will continue.


"Kite Surfers at Tahunanui." Oil on panel. 6x8in.

I have already posted the fountain painting in my previous post. This one was painted earlier in the week. It was another hot day, with a sea breeze building. No wonder there were so many kite surfers. I counted about twenty, with more arriving as I left.

I would like to post other members paintings in this blog. Please send them to me by email, with details as to size and media.

It looks as if next Sunday it will be raining. Probably because it is a holiday weekend. I will be over at Golden Bay, painting at Wharariki. Alternative arrangements can be made if people want this.

Email me with suggestions.

Cheers. Ross


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Rose Garden Fountain

Another very hot summer's day, but it was very nice and cool standing in the shade in the Queens Gardens. One of my basic axioms re plein air painting is to find a nice comfortable spot, and then look around for a suitable subject.
The other method is to find a subject and then find somewhere to stand and paint it that is not entirely intolerable.
Today I was fortunate that the best view of the fountain included a bed of red floribundas and ample shade.



15025. Rose Garden Fountain. Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@'inspire.net.nz


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday 25th January.

Hi all,

This Sunday we will be meeting in the Queens Gardens, at 2 pm. We can gather in the Rose Garden, by the fountain, and decide what and which direction to explore.

On the meantime, some thoughts from the Huffington Post re painting. The article was brought to my attention by Jimu, one of our new members.

It is entitled: "Let's Make 2015 The Year We All Start Painting" by Katherine Brooks.

It's too long for me to quote in full, but the reference is at the end of this post.

'Painting is easy, you just have to ask the right advises. "Painting is just another was of keepingy a diary," Picasso proclaimed. "Painting is self-discovery," said Jackson Pollock. "Painting is easy when you don't know how," Edgar Degas said rather encouragingly. So why isn't there an easel and painter's palette in every home? Why didn't we follow in Bob Ross' footsteps years ago, and nudge amateur artists to pick up a brush and experiment with happy little trees?'

The article goes on to reference Carol Marine's new book entitled "Daily Painting"

Which brings me back to my constant mantra: "paint small, paint fast, paint daily."

The reference to the article is: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6271296?utm hp ref=painting

Thanks Jimu. Much appreciated. Hat tip.

See you all on Sunday.

Ross
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Mackay's Clouds revisited

Ok. I've touched it up in the studio, and I think that it works better now. I only looked at the cloud edges, and softened the transitions. What do you think? Have I transgressed against the ethos of the plein air philosophy? Am I compromised? Or is it ok? Over to you guys...
I think that the studio photo is better too.






15021. "Clouds over Mackay's bluff". Oil on panel. 6x8 in.


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Clouds over Mackay's Bluff

This was one of those paintings that went sideways. I intended to paint a nice blue vista with sparkling waters and distant skies. Then it clouded over and the tide went out. Sigh. The joys of plein air painting. Still, I think that it works although the clouds still seem a little edgy. Perhaps a little touchup in the studio to soften them.



15021 "Clouds over Mackay's Bluff". Oil on Panel. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at
rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

First painting Sunday of 2015

There was a good turnout for the first painting Sunday of this year. We had four gentlemen, two ladies, and two apologies. Not too bad after such a long time, and poor weather.

We painted in the shade in Branford Park. Afterwards we had a cup of tea and and a meeting at my studio. Details will be promulgated in this and subsequent posts in the weeks ahead.

We are in for a very exciting and productive year.

I will continue to send emails for this month, and perhaps every month or so after that, but then this blog will become the main avenue of communication between members. I welcome your contributions. Just email them to me and I will post them.

I am aiming to have two posts a week. The first one will deal with pleinair and PAPON issues, and the second with the coming 'Painting on Sunday.'

This year we intend to run 'Painting on Sunday' all year. On the other hand, we will only be painting in and around Nelson. Venturing further afield will be something for mid week.

I will not be available every Sunday this year as I will be travelling both around NZ and abroad from time to time. The convener for those Sundays will be named in that week's blog post.

Mid week ventures.

These are more adventurous, and you may want company. One way is to give me the details and I will post them on this blog. For instance, I painted the Jamie Seddon last Thursday in Motueka.


I could have blogged this last week:

"Hi all. I'm painting in Motueka this Thursday. Leaving about 10am. Returning about 4 pm. Those interested in joining me email me at rosswhitlock@ inspire.net.nz and we can arrange to meet. eg WOW car park 10am"


Ok. That's it for now. Please email me your comments and suggestions. A
Kind regards, keep in touch.

Ross



Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

This coming Sunday. 18th Jan

Well, it's been a long time coming but our first meeting of the year is upon us. Remember, we will be meeting at 2pm at the small pavilion on the right as you come into the valley.
We may not paint there. Today's painting is of the cricket ground, another kilometre along on the left. If you see this before you see the group then you have gone too far. Heh.

Bring your gear, and looking at the weather forecast that could include rain gear. No problem. If it rains too hard you can stand in the shelter and watch me wrestle with my gear and laugh. Even so, plein air painters always manage in the wind and rain. I'll show you how. I hope.

After the painting session we can adjourn to my place for tea and planning. I have some ideas to lay before you, for your approval. In turn I expect that there will be things you want from PAPON and we will try to organise for that.

The Suter has gone. We now have to prepare for a very different next few years. They will be fun. And you can become the painter you always wanted to be.

Kindest regards to you all. Funny enough, I always think of you when I'm out there, brush in hand. We plein air painters are a very special precious breed...

Ross



15014. "Maitai Cricket Ground" (with dog-walker, and daisies)
Oil on panel. 6x8 in.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

This coming Sunday

Hi all,

We will be meeting at Branford Park at 2pm. You will see my truck parked in the shade by the pavilion and toilet block. We probably won't be painting there but further up the valley.
The river is looking delightful under the willows at present. I painted this yesterday near Sharlands Creek. It should be a pleasant afternoon.
Don't forget, cup of tea and chat at my studio afterwards to catch up, and plan for the year ahead.

Cheers, Ross.



- "Maitai River near Sharlands Creek." Oil on panel. 6x8in.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sorry. Changed plans.

I was intending to have our first paint-in, meeting of the year this coming weekend, but Hil has decided that she wants to climb Mt Stoke at the head of the Kenepuru Sound this weekend, and because I adore the sounds landscape I'm going along for the ride.

While she puffs up to the summit I will be leisurely daubing paint on panel in some adjacent shady nook, entranced by the scene before me. Unless it rains of course...


Our first painting session this year will have to be the weekend after. Same general arrangements: meet at Branford Park at 2 pm. Find somewhere nice to paint.


This is a painting of the Maitai River near the golf course. It's a nice little river in summer.

Then after the painting session we can meet at my studio for afternoon tea, debrief, critique, and planning some highlights for the coming year.

Sorry about the changed dates, but it will be great when we can meet up again.

Let me know if there are any problems with this.

Cheers, Ross


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad