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Friday, January 21, 2011

Wallaby Cave Revisited

It seems a lifetime ago that I began a painting featuring black-footed rock wallabies basking in the last rays of the sun at the entrance to a small cave. I ran into problems with that painting from day one as I sought to apply heavily diluted acrylic paint to canvas in the same way I'd successfully done so on watercolour paper years before. Those methods didn't translate well to canvas and I moved on to fresh subjects in a fit of exasperation. Another obstacle was that I was unsure of some details of the cave and of my ability to improvise in the absence of suitable reference photos. Worthwhile painting ideas are a precious commodity however, and although my first attempt never came to fruition, I always felt I'd return to this subject one day.

When we visited the area 12 months later I was mindful of this painting subject and, on one on our many forays up the creek and with the position of the sun in my original photos in mind, I manoeuvred my kayak into position tight against the creek's steep rock wall with the aim of securing the photographs I'd lacked before. I have an adequate collection of photos featuring the region's rock wallabies, so with a more detailed idea of the painting's backdrop I'm a little more hopeful that Wallaby Cave version 2.0 will be more successful.




With the intention of beginning my attempt in the week ahead, I'm conscious of the need to make some lifestyle changes to accommodate it. Getting more sleep is at the top of the list, the aim being to reduce the weariness I feel at the end of a long day in front of a computer screen. Hopefully, I can begin to feel a little more motivated and be a little more productive in the evenings than I have been in recent months.


Cheers
Pete

19 comments:

Erik van Elven said...

Good reference and enough sleep are two very important ingredients for creating a good painting so you're well on your way Peter.

Peter Brown said...

Erik, I'll get back to you once I've put that theory to the test!

Dean Richards said...

"Now you're cooking with oil!" As we say here in the frozen north. Great reference shot Pete and more importantly a gorgeous kayak! Looks wooden?

With your wooden instrument building skills and "Renaissance Man" reputation I will not be the least bit surprised if you tell me you built it yourself.

Full force on the painting effort! You can DO IT!

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Dean! Check this out:
http://www.laughingloon.com/panache.html

Dean said...

I checked out the link and the photo at the top was taken a stone's throw from where I live. Beautiful boats, I paddle a Current Designs Solstice. My favorite activity on the water. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

hey pete,nice to have you back! looking forward to seeing the results from your bout of inspiration!

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Clive! It's nice to have had full-time work over the past several months to replenish the coffers, but I'm beginning to resent its impact on my creative pursuits. I really hope I can juggle the various parts of my life and begin to find a balance.

Jeremy Pearse said...

Great to have you back Pete. I have been checking your blog every week for ages it seems hoping for an update. Now I'm looking forward to seeing some finished paintings!

Peter Brown said...

Thanks for sticking with me Jeremy.

With a cyclone heading our way and a temperature of 42C in my workshop at present, any creative pursuits will take place in the air-conditioned house this weekend!

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

I just found your site. You're so talented!

ecwrites.blogspot.com

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Elisabeth - you're too kind!

Sandy Byers said...

Well, goodness, it's good to see you back again, Peter.

It is no wonder your talent keeps pulling at your heartstrings. It needs to be seen and we are excited to see more of it!

May you find peace at your easel, Sandy

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Sandy - I hope to have something other than good intentions to write about soon!

Amanda Russian said...

what a beautiful place....the photos of you in the kayak look so peacefull. Looking foward to seeing the finished work Pete.

Peter Brown said...

Thanks for dropping by Amanda. Progress is slow, but I'll get there in the end!

April Jarocka said...

Great to see you posting again...and painting. All the best!

Gary Keimig said...

glad to see you up to something Peter.

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Gary. I hope to have something new to show very soon.

How to paint landscapes said...

Thanks for sharing these images! I agree, Good reference and enough sleep could help bring out one of your best paintings! Thanks for sharing these! I like it!...Daniel