Industrial Precinct at Cockatoo Island

The sky was dark when I got to Cockatoo Island. Rather than start sketching outside and getting rained on before I finished, I headed straight for the Industrial Precinct. I had been longing to go back there to sketch for a long time, so I was happy.

Soon afterwards  all other sound was drowned out by the noise of the rain on the roof. The other sketchers soon came pouring in.

I wish I could say I knew what these machines were for, but I don't. I do thank Cockatoo Island for rearranging things so it is possible to get right up to each machine, rather than back behind a fence, as previously.

There is so much to sketch there inside the buildings. I can't wait to go back.

We had lunch on the island and caught the ferry back to the city. We got drowned waiting to board the ferry, as we hadn't realised how many intrepid passengers would be coming off the ferry  to visit the island in such rain.   

Lamy Safari pen and Prismacolour pencils in handmade book of toned papers.

Trip to the South Coast

This is the view from the RSL Club (Returned Services) in the main street of Huskisson on the South Coast of New South Wales. The club is total waterfront with the most amazing view. Our first evening there, we went in to see if they would allow us admittance which they kindly did. There is a small narrow lounge along the water side of the club. For the next two evenings we went back with our sketchbooks in our hands (and a glass of wine also).

I was using my Stillman and Birn Delta Series sketchbook for the first time on that trip and I was delighted with it. The paper is robust and the book is robust. The wind comes up in the afternoons in Huskisson and because the book is spiral bound I could fold it back on itself and hold it firmly. The first sketch has watercolour underpainting and was done with Lamy Safari pen.


This sketch was underpainted with watercolour, then I used a Derwent Sketching pencil and a waterbrush. I think pen works better, because of the added contrast. An unexpected side effect was that my Noodlers Ink dried instantaneously on the Delta Series paper. Now that's a bonus.

My third sketch of Hyams Beach only sneaks in as 'urban' by the skin of it's teeth, because that is the Australian Naval College there in the distance.