I painted this looking up to the fountain with the Roman Catholic cathedral in the background. When I started there was a guitar busker who stood and played. He made the work easier and I retrieved a note that blew away from his case as he played and gave him a few dollars when he left.
He was replaced by a trumpeter who hassled everyone who passed and would only play if they told him their nationality. He was an embarrassment to be near and I hastened up, finished and fled. Pity.
Arrived in Sydney and walking in the botanic gardens I saw the opera house seeming to spring from the foliage. The sun was beginning to set and the light was playing differently on the sails. The botanic gardens with its stately trees offer a quiet lush haven from the rush of the city. It was a quiet place to paint
So on to the land of Oz. It was bloody hot in Melbourne yesterday and the heat rising from the pavements certainly dried the paint. Today, when we decide to visit the beach, the weather’s changed. Might as well be in Liverpool, except that it is a little warmer here – but not much.
The light in Melbourne, when the sun is out is fantastic. The buildings go a smokey blue and here the old sandstone of the cathederal stood out in complementary majesty.
The art scene here is very vibrant. It pervades every aspect of city life from graffiti artists to painters painting on the waterfront to the fantastic galleries which also celebrate local art
graham mcquade 