Little Sirius Point

Arthur Streeton wrote, "Sydney is an artist's city - glorious."
I grew up in Sydney, but now, looking at it through a landscape painter's eyes, it is easy to fall in love with it, afresh - the rich blues of the harbour, the golden sands and vast southern skies on warm balmy days. Idyllic!
This painting is from the perspective of Whiting Beach on Sydney Harbour. I had been there before on an overcast day. I felt that I had to go back to do this little painting.
As I reflect on that day last month, I am reminded of something Streeton wrote to his friend in 1891, “I smile at all the light, glory and quivering brightness passes slowly and freely before my eyes.” He must have been talking about this part of creation. Visit this little beach if you can.

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I am a retired high school art teacher, university professor, and pastor. As a young teenager growing up in Sydney I enjoyed plein air oil painting. The Australian landscape has been my interest all my life. Now, much older and after a number of changes in career, I am able to rediscover my love of oil landscape painting. No longer en plein air, I paint in my studio from photos I have taken on sight, having experienced the scene I endeavour to interpret on canvas.

I am not a self-expressionist; I don't see any worth in venting my feelings. Some of those must come through, I'm sure, but my focus is on God's Creation...the wonder of it. There is so much wonder and beauty to meditate upon. I paint, seizing the moment: waves in detail, surfers doing what they love, seagulls on the beach, two men strolling pensively on the shore and children playing carelessly in the sand, still others enjoying - just enjoying.

I love Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches. What a privilege to live here! I'm back from 20 years living overseas, and I find my life has come full circle - I'm painting again - with new vigour, interest, a wealth of experience to share and most of all, a fresh appreciation for the native beauty of this place I call home.