Ask me what my favorite season is and I will answer … Autumn. Wonderful crisp morning walks along the shoreline of Taroona. Discovering autumn leaf filled lane ways. nature walks, sea shells and sea birds. Breathing in deeply the briny salty sea air and feeling grateful to have this opportunity to spend time in a house full of amazing collections and only a few minutes walk to one of my favorite beaches.
Being able to spend a month gathering ideas, sketching and experimenting has been an exciting opportunity, not only because of the surrounding environment but because of an incredible collection of antique toys, dolls, bears and cupboard collectibles. For me, it’s a dream come true!
A pacific gull, taken at Hinsby beach, Taroona.
Before leaving I was already immersing my self in the sea, well so to speak. I cobbled together a couple of accordion fold books and illustrated the pages with sea birds. The reference photos came from my own photos taken at the docklands in Hobart.
Small water colour and gouache paintings on rag paper. 8 x 8 cm
What you see here are only a couple of examples of watercolour sketches inspired by the wonderful collections of dolls and toys in the cupboard.
Now home, I am in the midst of finishing work I began before leaving and planing for new work, inspired while away.