More specifically, a camping trip to Coles Bay/Freycinet National Park, and investigating its artistic offerings.

What does a trip away mean to you?

For me, my art is at the forefront of almost everything that I do. There’s always something that one can consider and relate to their art making: scenery, colours, textures, shapes, moods and other random stuff. If the mind is tuned in, the potential thought provoking and inspirational material available is endless. A lot can also depend on the weather, what you are expecting to experience, prior knowledge, who you are with, and more.

On arriving at Coles Bay it was the weather dictating play. A strong wind was up. Not at all conducive to painting en plein air! However, it did allow for capturing the mood and feelings associated with a “stroll” along the beach. I took it all in, including the wonderful clouds scooting by. A few photos, notes or sketches can cement the experience.

We visited Friendly Beaches. Or, in this case “not so friendly” beaches. The wind was still wildly doing its thing. Even so, I was able to find a sheltered place to sit for a quick oil sketch. The rocks on the shore were rolling back and forth noisily with the waves. The wind was lifting the white caps into the air. I felt quite the intrepid artist.

The next day it struck me strongly how much different a windless beach was!  More inviting, sunnier, calmer, but creating a much less dynamic atmosphere.

Able to set up on the beach, I painted these two pieces. One looking towards The Hazards in the morning. The other, after lunch, of the colourful boats and such lined up in the dunes waiting to be used.

Having spent time at a location, taking everything in, it can be difficult to leave. Painting opporunities seem to abound once you “settle in” and experience a place. The creative wheels in your mind rumble into action.

Perhaps another trip?