Sunday last saw the usual bunch setting out on Art Safari to draw under the Narrows Bridge at the South Perth end. Yes, I did say under the bridge – it’s easy to get to, it’s shady and there’s even a carpark right next to it. I’m not in the photo because I’m behind the camera. To the right, however, there is evidence of my attendance in the form of coffee…
Why draw under a bridge? Lots of reasons: it’s different, it’s cool on a hot day, fresh air, the boats ranged from rowing tubs to fancy motor boats with many of their inhabitant taking the time wave but none able to gawk at our work, and very few walking gawkers who could. There’s also practice at handling perspective – I can hear you groaning from here – and maintain that’s exactly why you should have been with us. My own efforts (in spite of a distant history in drafting) were so cruddy I’m not showing you. My excuse was the stress of previous days meant all I could do was sit and stare, occasionally waving the charcoal at the paper. On which, the other reason to draw under a bridge – stress relief – thanks to both the peaceful surroundings and the congenial company.
And too looking right or left interesting compositions…
And the very, very best bit. Here we are, working well up the Swan River and just metres away the rise and fall of dolphins – mama and baby. What more can one ask for? Made my day and dropped my blood pressure to almost normal. Proof indeed that life can be good. Really good. Attempt at a photo by Jeff Bryant. In his words “Buggers kept ducking under the water – wouldn’t smile for the camera.”
Next week Art Safari are making the trip out here to attempt frottage of sheep. That is frottaged pictures of sheep – I really don’t think Hamish will stand still enough to be frottaged. Unless of course we provide a big bucket of pony cubes. Pony cubes are more expensive than sheep cubes – and Hamish reckons they taste better. Also there will be no tours of the studio or house because both are in a horrible state of decay (see comments on stress…) so everyone will have to make do with an overgrown garden, a rusty old bobcat abandoned in disgust in long grass, chooks, ducks, sheep, the neighbours’ cattle and maybe horses if the one’s that live on the property at the bottom of our hill are out grazing.
G’day Hamish… (bribed him with pony cubes to get him to stand still for the camera!)
Have fun.
Amanda