37 on the Plains
ON a hot day, 37 degrees, I drove over the flat Canterbury Plains. I could see the mountains inland far away, nearby grasses and lots of fields of grains were ripening. In some areas stands of trees were cutting through the landscape. The skies were constantly changing. This was my impression of that day.
Watercolour, 20.5 by 14cm
Misty Morning
On a lovely misty morning, I walked on Brighton beach. A few people were walking on the sand and in the water, swimming in the sea, but mostly the beach was empty. The colours in the sky were reflected in the water just beginning to cover beach areas with the turning tide. Because it was slightly misty, it was all a bit vague. This is my impression of that morning.
Watercolour, 24 by 31cm
Cloud cover
It was strange weather when I went up the gondola recently. Clouds hung low and so the view was grey and misty, with just this strip of light and blue sky at the horizon. Sitting on a stone I made this sketch; I applied a wash later at home.
Watercolour, 20.5 by 14.5cm
From the top
A quick sketch from outside at the top of the gondola. I used my new coloured pigment liners and later at home applied the watercolour wash. It was a grey day, but just at the horizon was a strip of light, very interesting to watch, constantly changing. The flax seemed very happy in its exposed position. I liked the flashes of light, the brooding sky and brown, orangey, ochre colours and wanted to play with my new liners!
Coloured pens and watercolour wash, 19 by 14.5cm
Along Kaiapoi River
Walking along the Kaiapoi River , I thought about how important family, friends and nature have been for me in this strange year of lockdowns, social distancing, etc. And so I wish you all: A healthy, happy Christmas with loved ones, in person, on zoom or facetime, etc., and a good 2021
Watercolour, 17 by 21cm
Pond
In the last few weeks I’ve walked around several areas with ponds. Sun and shadows, trees, shrubs, rocks and grasses, water surfaces that are open and sometimes covered with grasses, waterlillies and other plants. This painting is a compilation of all those memories of ponds.
19 by 27cm, watercolour
On the Peninsula
Driving to Akaroa, I saw this landscape. Mostly made by nature, but modified by us humans. The hills will have been formed when the eruptions occurred that formed Akaroa harbour. The landscape was first modified by wind and water, with probably most of this landscape in native bush. Maori will have modified some of that with their farming methods. Then when Europeans arrived, they made fields for their sheep and the colours in the landscape changed to what there is now. The browner greens from native bush combined with the harsher greens of European grasses and trees. Quite a mixture.
Watercolour, 19.5 by 27cm
A low approaching
On a drive from Rangiora to Christchurch I saw the darkening sky coming over the hills. The sun was still happily shining over the plains. A tree in the foreground was still bare, while poplars in the back showed their early green. The contrasts caught my eye and later at home I painted my impression of that moment.
Watercolour, 20 by 30cm
North Wester
Driving towards Banks Peninsula, I saw the sky above a rise. A “North Wester” wind was blowing over the Plains. The sky showed the typical cloud formations. Later at home I painted my memory of that moment.
35 by 21cm, watercolour
Daffodils
When walking through a field of all sorts of daffodils, I wanted to remember the movement and the shadows and being there. When I came home, I painted my impression of the daffodils. I didn’t want the exact replica of the flowers. I tried to present the feel and the images I had seen while walking.
Watercolour, 17 by 21cm
