Finally I have filled the journal I took with me to the red centre of Australia. The first week it was an art tour dedicated to sketching and painting the outback. I showed you the results of that trip here.
But the second week was 4 days camping.
There was so much to see, the scenery is magnificent. But because of the distances I did not have much spare time for sketching. I did do the sketch of Jake as we drove along and then had time to sit and draw the camp ground once all the chores had been done. But mostly it was taking photos with the plan to finish sketching and finalize the journal when I arrived back home…
I did, of course, blog about the adventure. You can see the posts here.
That was 3 years ago…
Well it takes a pandemic and having to stay indoors to finally take out the paints and look back at the photos and FINISH the journal…
I had never been to the Red Centre and had long yearned to see the iconic Uluru. So the main purpose of the tour was to see the rock. It was as magical as I was expecting. But totally impossible for me to capture that magic either in a photo or as a very inadequate painting that I tried to capture from a photo. (here are the photos in the blog ) (and more here) But as I painted the memories came flooding back and I could remember the feeling of awe as I watched the changing colours reflected on the rock as the sun went down and then the pure magic as the full moon appeared from behind this mighty monument. Next morning it was up before dawn to wait for the sun to rise. The air was crisp and clear, we were all wrapped up in jackets, gloves and scarves, it was cold. We stamped around trying to keep warm waiting for that moment when the sun finally appeared and bathed the rock and us in its warm glow.
Next stop was King’s Canyon. With approximately 500 rough and uneven steps to the top, then back down again. Jack and I opted to do the gentler walk along the creek bed.
We were delighted we did this option, it was quiet and deserted and we had time to actually sketch a few things.
These are a sketches of some of the iconic things seen in the out back. Rusty cars and dilapidated machinery were scattered around. Many of the buildings were constructed of corrugated iron. Not many trees suitable for building and the corrugated iron was cheap and easy to transport. But, oh boy, how hot it must’ve been inside these places in mid summer. No air conditioning back then. And the majestic gum trees called out to be sketched.
4 days flew by so quickly, full of lasting memories. But there was still one more treat in store. On the last day Jake took us to Ellery Creek Big Hole.
I can still remember the feeling of complete amazement as I approached this wonder of nature. The reflections were mirror-like in their perfection and the tiny figures enhanced that feeling of nature in all its glory.
During this past week I have tried to capture this. I think it really needs a huge canvas to do it justice. But this is my attempt in the A5 sketch book.
Ah the memories that this small art journal brings back
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Cathy of “Wander Essence” has a monthly invitation/challenge were she invites anyone to join her in creating, and showcasing their art journals. She has put together a very informative post of ideas and tips about creating a journal. Do take a look and it would be so interesting to see what you can produce.
Wonderful Pauline, you and your journal.
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Thanks Jack for your encouragement
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Wow!! Your sketches are wonderful Pauline, and a fabulous way to keep the memories alive.
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Thanks Su. I find spending time to sketch enhances the experience for me
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These journals are beautiful and will give you endless hours of pleasure. I hope we get to visit Uluru and the surrounding area one day.
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I would like to go back one day and travel independently. A tour group is good, especially if you are with a compatible group. But there is much more I didn’t get to see.
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You are so talented, Pauline. I love, love, love that one looking out the back window of your mini-van.
The landscapes are brilliant. The canyon one looks so hard.
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It was all very challenging Tracy. I was pleased to have been on the art tour and given some help from our talented tour leader.
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Cathy’s journals are beautiful in a totally different way than yours, Pauline. Your artwork and drawing is truly wonderful. What gifts you have, you and Jack! Magical to be able to bring these moments back to life. I realised the power of photos for me because I’ve been going through old postcards, rolling back the years. The memories they evoke are far less clear than from my photos, but then, we’re talking about a lot of years ago. 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo for those lovely comments. I get a lot of enjoyment from my sketching. Taking time to really look and study a view leaves a lasting impression (pun intended 🙄)….
I remember sending those “wish you were here” postcards, that was many years ago. Haven’t got any left now though. But I did like Cathy’s idea of sending herself a pc from each place she visited.
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I used them as a travel diary back then, but they are now hopelessly muddled. A mountain of them! It’s my task while we were isolating but I haven’t got as far with it as I hoped. And I was playing croquet today! Strange to be ‘out’ again 🤗💕
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Always something waiting to be done. But now life is opening up again I guess they will stay on that to-do pile.
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Lovely work, lovely memories, and what a wonderful interest. I too love the view looking through the window. Thank you for sharing:)
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I tend to look back at my sketches more than I go through the photos. But then there are so many photos….
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Your paintings and entries are lovely! What a great trip that must have been. I love the tent…an old-fashioned canvas camp tent. I’ve always liked those and the camp set up in the 30’s while on safari. I wish I had experienced one of those. 😀
Do you use a separate journal for each trip?
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That tent was surprisingly warm as the nights were quite cool. I do keep seperate journals for the longer trips. But just have a couple on the go that I fill randomly when ever I feel like sketching.
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Pauline, your journals are so evocative of place, I love them!
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I love that comment Sue. The feeling of the place is what I was trying to capture
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Well, I would most certainly say you did!
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As I said before,you are an amazing artist! Although a phenomenal photographer as well, your sketches are as good or better than any photo you could take. Wonderful post!
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Thanks Renee. I think when you enjoy your hobbies you practice and that leads to progress. I would never say perfect, there is always something to improve on
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Nothing is every perfect in art, my friend, for it is all in the eye of the beholder. Nature is like that and you give an added dimension to nature in your art. 🙂
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That is so true
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I can but echo the praises of the preceding comments, Pauline. You’ve truly been blessed with talent and creativity here as well as in the garden. Thanks for sharing!
janet
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Thanks Janet for your lovely comment.
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I love how you illustrated your journal. Wonderful and looking back it was worth all the time it took you. I used to do journals before computers were a thing.
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Jack used to sketch all the time before he got a digital camera. I used to take photos in the past. Now we have reversed roles.
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I always admire your sketches PP and this time I actually know the places you have sketched which makes it all so more real. We spent a week in and around Alice exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, King’s Canyon (we also did the creek trail) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. I hired a Landcruiser (should have been a Rav 5 but they didn’t have one so upgraded me and I have never been so scared of driving in my life, but within hours fell in love with it) and thoroughly loved driving on the ‘red roads’. Like you say, it is an amazing region. Your journals will certainly help keep the memories alive.
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I would like to go back again Jude and hire a vehicle, don’t know about a 4wheel drive though, you were very brave. The tours were fantastic and a good group of people, but there is more I would like to see at my own pace. And do more sketching….
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I have done tours and they can be excellent, but I also prefer
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Aarrgh… Pressed the button too soon. I also like to be independent when possible as then you can take your time, like you say. I wrote a post on the travel blog, don’t know if you have read it, look under road trips if you want. 😊
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After travelling in Matilda for so long I never thought I would go on a tour, but I guess age can change your opinions. Will go check your road trip post….
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You have seen it before, but now you’ve been yourself it may bring back a few memories. As for tours I also think time and money come into it as well as if you are travelling solo.
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How I love your drawings and paintings, Pauline, whether you did them while traveling, or later. They are truly magnificent and capture the amazing spirit of the place. I couldn’t pick a favorite, but I do especially love the Ghost Gums, the hotel, Uluru, Ellery Creek Big Hole, the campsite and the old derelict truck. I need to try to sketch in some of my next set of journal entries, but it would have been so much nicer to try it while traveling. I do love the idea of a dedicated art/drawing trip, where you linger and paint in the moment. So wonderful. My journals pale in comparison, but you’re an inspiration. 🙂 I’ll link this, and another you sent me, tomorrow. 🙂
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Thanks for the lovely comment, and thank you for giving me the opportunity and courage, to start show casing my journals. Actually I really love your style of journal Cathy. It is more of an information journal with lots of extras and you do some sketching too. I will try to gather more bits and pieces to put in my next journal, when we eventually start having trips again. In the meantime I still have a couple of unfinished journals to work on…
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Thank you. I’m glad you like mine, but I really want to start incorporating more sketches into mine. It is nice to collect bits and pieces to put in, although most of the things I find are really too big or cumbersome. It’s fun to do something tactile, though, isn’t it?
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I use an A5 format journal and sadly it doesn’t have much space for bits and pieces.
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I get it. 🙂 That is the problem. If I’m going to sketch, I need a specific drawing journal. But of course I like to write too, so I need another journal for that! I like to have my details of travel all written out so I don’t forget the specifics. 🙂
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The colors are so vivid in your sketches! They do strike me with a sense of wonder and life, though I understand why you would have wished for a bigger canvas.
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I keep telling myself I will do a large painting, but never seem to find the time
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Wow … a journal is full of brilliance … with your sketching and hot vivid colours of the Australian landscape Pauline !
Love the ghost gum trees .. Uluru… and your photo of the tree branch stretching out in the foreground and people for scale is fabulous . Would love to spend some time camping in one of those old style canvas tents myself 🙂
Lovely light touch with your pen and watercolours xx
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Thank you Poppy, I love to get your encouraging comments. How are you getting on in the shutdown? Do you get chance to do any art?
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G’day Pauline 🙂 All keeping safe and well here thank you … and yes .. lots more Art with mixed results ha but very enjoyable all the same . It’s been a great distraction along with more attention paid to the garden for a very long time . No running off to the coast with my camera ! … but that time will come I’m sure 😉
We feel very grateful life has not been turned upside down as it has for many and so far 🤞managed to avoid the virus . Yesterday with one of the new relaxed rules after no visits for about 10 wks we had a lovely walk and catch up with our DD and her slightly mad but fun spaniel Boo . Lots of ways of course to keep in touch nowadays but nothing like the real deal apart from no hugs 😦
I really must pull my socks up and post on my blog . Have a great week Pauline xx
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Pleased all is well for you. Art is a great distraction. My latest project is from my calligraphy group. It is to design 12 bookmarks incorporating calligraphy. I’m finding it quite a challenge. Will look forward to seeing a blog from you. Maybe show us some of your art 🎨🤗
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I love perusing travel/art journals so am chuffed to have a peek into yours. Thank you for sharing your journey to this magnificent part of a world I am not familiar with. And to enjoy the fruit of the completion of your journal!
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Thank you for your lovely comment. I felt very satisfied to finally finish the journal. Now on to another one…🤗
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Hurray!
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fantastic paintings
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Thanks
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