Art Journal Memories.

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.