This is my second attempt at a plein air painting, and I went out with a sketching friend of mine to Wellington Point, which is about 30 minutes from my home. It’s close to the sea, but a little more sheltered, so the waves and the wind aren’t as ferocious as the ones at the Gold Coast. It’s located in Redland Bay, a sleepy little town close to Brisbane. Not many high rises, not glitzy and glamorous. One storey tall shopping terraces everywhere.
I am still trying to get the hang of setting up for outdoor painting. I understand the need to pack light and pack compact. But damn, acrylic paints are lot more fussy to carry around than watercolours, which can be carried around in these neat little pans. So part of my job last night was to sort out which tube colours I wanted to bring with me, without killing me with their weight. As it is, I carried quite a few, but only ended up using about 5 colours all up. I carried 3 different brushes, but only ended up using my favourite 2-inch Rosemary & Co squirrel hair brush. I am on the hunt for a backpack that will contain all that I need. Might have to make a trip to Kathmandu clothing and travel gear store sometime.
We set up under a tree as we didn’t want to be sunburnt by the harsh Aussie sun. The gentle sea breeze did make the whole tripod set up sway a little, but I was reassured by my friend that this is totally normal and as I get more experienced in plein air painting, I won’t even notice it eventually. Luckily my panel didn’t act as a sail and send the whole thing flying. It’s pretty nice using my new Strada pochade box. It’s heavy, but at least it’s bomb proof and won’t fall apart if I drop it. I might have to get a few bull dog clips so I can attach a plastic bag for rubbish (all those used kitchen towels) and I have to figure out a way to contain my brushes.
As it was a weekday, there weren’t too many people hanging around. A bus from Anglicare pulled up and disgorged a number of elderly folk who wandered up and down the jetty for fresh air. A rather nice old man came over to check out our progress.
Again, lots of stranded blue jelly fish along the shore line. Maybe my kids would like it here. Not so crowded. The toilet amenities are a little cleaner and you can actually collect a few shells.
A very enjoyable day and I can totally see why people get addicted to plein air painting.
