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

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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".

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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


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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.


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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.




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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





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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