Our trip to the Flinders Ranges in October was full of twists turns and adventures. On the eve of our trip, Ron's wife became ill and he couldn't make it. We were sorry to see Sheridan ill and prayed for her quick recovery. Karol Oakley stepped up to save day and come on our trip as driver/helper extrordinaire. Thanks Karol.
Arriving in Adelaide we spent the day at the Chihuly exhibition, An amazing glass art exhibition in the botanic gardens. The Gallery of South Australia was a quick visit and then painting at Hallett cove. A photo stop at Grange jetty on the way home and day 1 was full. Day 2 and we had our big drive day to Hawker and our first glimpse of the Flinder Ranges. There is something magical about the light and colours in this place. It changes every hour.
We spend every day painting and exploring. Through Brachina Gorge, visiting the Cazneaux Tree, painting at Wilpena Pound Station and more. The trees were enormous and told stories from old. A lot of us got up very early to catch the amazing light in the mountains. With day light savings sunrise felt a little later than usual. To paint at this time you have to be quick. 20 minutes from start to finish is about all you get. But I just love it. The play of warm and cool subtle colours draws me in every time.
Rona and my trips are called "untutored". But that does not mean you don't learn HEAPS. Everyone chooses different mediums and techniques then we gather in the evenings to chat about what we saw and what inspired us. Helpful tips and tricks are always available to any newbie. Even a shared pastel or two that is just the right colour! This sharing encourages really experiencing the landscape before you the way you would like to interpret it. Whether that be with watercolour, pastel, acrylics, a sketch or a painting.
Being the organiser you sometimes get moments of just waiting for them to finish their paintings. Making sure everyone is ok and settled can sometimes take up your own time. One of these times I decided to just play with watercolour abstracts of the bark of the trees. It was so much fun and I really was able to connect with the colours and textures. I know this will expand to a body of work exploring just tree bark patterns. From just a 15 minute play I am inspired to explore a whole new direction in my art that really excites me. That is what I love about these trips. It is so inspiring.
On to Quorn and Warren Gorge. Then to Clare and Vinyard country. Morning tea at Maggie Beers cafe and then an afternoon stop at Hans Heysens studio and back to Adelaide. Where did the time go?
Thanks for joining us Team 24! It was a great trip. And also glad to say Ron's wife is on the mend. Next trip Lord Howe Island September 2025. From the outback golds to the island blues. Can't wait. Happy painting!
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