Leigh Memorial, Historical Architecture in Parramatta

I'm searching for my own style in architecture drawing. I'd really appreciate your feedback on different approaches : "traditional vs loose." Leigh Memorial is a Victorian Gothic church opened in 1885. Today, it's Uniting church in Parramatta. This historical and very charming architecture elegantly stands opposite to Parramatta Artists Studios on Macquarie St. 

A first image is created by a traditional methods. The church building has unified colours on it. My paints have come together well. The colour of a shadow seems fit to the architecture. I really enjoyed drawing. Street walkers often talked to me. Thanks for cheers! 

The black and white is below. In the colour work, added people show a scale of the building and something humane.  

A loose image is below. In fact, I had done it earlier than the work created by a traditional drawing methods. I enjoyed colours in a quick way. But my eyes have told that the building is too thin. So, I made the building stout in the first image. I tried Leigh Memorial for several times. The more, I draw, the more, I learn. What do you think these two different modes?  

In my eyes, the drawing of architecture, itself, is not so complicated, as long as my eyes capture a building as a "mass" and chunk it down in simple 3D. A headache is architecture demands preciseness in drawing. Of course, there are many artists cook architectures by their unique styles. Produced architectures taste good and so beautiful, which very much interests me! 

I need more time to learn how I loose up architectures/landscapes or try other drawing methods. Practice gives me answers. I'm very proud of messed up papers! 
Btw, we're getting into autumn. It was very cold today. What about your area? Take care. 
Friends, Happy Painting!      

Awesome Recycled Architecture Fair in Sydney Festival

Roll up, roll up! Any family, come, join "Architectura de Feria" = "Architecture Fair" in Prince Alfred park in Parramatta from 7–26 January. All the rides are free and run by manpower -- on nothing electronic! Parents and children play together from rides, shooing, a bicycle racing game to fascinating machines in a fairground. An artist, Jordà Ferré has recycled materials and turned objects to surprising machines/architectures. I sketched most of the works! They have classical, yet, unique, elegant and amazing shapes and brilliant functions! What an ecological and environmental friendly “Antigua I Barbuda Catalonia Australian Exclusive”!
A very sophisticated art work I realised is at the entrance of Riverside Theatres opposite to the Prince Alfred square, below.

Friends, can you guess what that machine (above) is for? Can you tell how it works? “For a dentist use,” a lady said – Na! What else? Any one?

It’s a wine server! How graceful it is! Can't you believe it? Here we go, its YouTube. A distinct and incomparable concept is the key of all the art works created by Jordà. 

I met the artist Jordà in person, while I was sketching a Ferris wheel. Lovely Jordà is a Catalan speaker. Come on, Spanish and Catalan speaking blog readers. Let’s have fun!  

This Ferris wheel is run by a mom or a dad’s hands! Children ride on toilet seats. Hilarious and a wonderful humour! Of course, riding children are so happy. Look at this smiling boy. Only the shame is that I cannot enjoy it because of my weight (max. weight 45kg). Lovely staff always asks audience and children to put hands together for a volunteer's vigorous exercise at any machine. The art work and the event are very heart warming, comical and entertaining as well as serious and beautiful. 

All the staff centralise children and respect them as well as parents. The children and disadvantaged people are heroes and winners in the event. Parents wind up handles or spin pedals to work these machines for children. Below, at the right side of the Ferris wheel, you can find two tyres and a belt. THERE, a volunteer cranks a handle. Parents, it's a good exercise and sure, you'll be fit! 

But also the artist and the team have set special seats for exhausted parents like the rides offered for children. Only parents may take comfy big seats and children move fans, in turn of their parents’ hard work after all the rides! How’s that! How well-organised event this is! It is wonderful to see a sweet interaction between parents and children in family. I’d like to say special thanks to the staff, especially, the team who came a long way from Spain. It is their sensitive and enormous efforts that run this wonderful family event successful and happy for anyone! Children, please handle the staff with care, because they are fragile and easy to be broken. 

Let’s try another ride of a merry-go-round. Each ride in it is has a unique shape designed for a parent/carer and a child. Yes, the artist designed two seats for children and parents to have fun together. I love to watch each “art work” in carousels. I like the double seated red airplane most! Originality is outstanding. If you like, you can try another carousel. It has a cool airplane, a funny crocodile, a rocket and so on. Children, people, all cheer up Mom or Dad working hard for carousels!   

Ok, would you like to try something different from a ride? Here’s the shooting for children. You can try three times at a bicycle bell. Do you kne? The bullets are pits of olive! Each time, a child must EAT up an olive. Excellent humour!! According to staff, “No one has ever shot three times. Only twice. If you can make it, you’re the champion!” Kids, go and try! You may become a world record holder. What a clever setting! An out of mark hits piano wires and makes a dramatic and formidable sound in a low key. Another fun game is a bicycle race like "Le Tour de France"! Two people on station bikes move their miniature and tiny bikes in a course on a big table. We cheer up participants around the table! Children, go for it! You may beat adults! I love all the games and to hear people's hot cheers and big laugh, here, there, everywhere. 

Parents, children, you can't miss this fantastic and free event. Come and say hello to the wonderful team from Spain and locals. A local Sydney Festival staff talked to me and enjoyed a chat. His say was my great reward. Children, too, talked to me. 
Oh, yes, nice live music is also free. The machines are beautiful in lights at night and in a comfortable cool weather. (*we're in summer!)  

Finally, I'd say special thanks for all the staff, anyone involved with the event and children and parents. You've brought us such a wonderful event freebie! You've also cheered me up to keep on these sketches. Thank you for your friendship! My own blog is here, "Sadami's Graffiti," in which my hands think and I particularly love drawing us, people. 

Friends, Happy Painting!  

Merry Christmas : QVB and Nativity @ St Mary Cathedral!

Thank you for visiting our posts this year. In Nov, I had a fall at steps in a hurry, when I delivered art work to a second solo exhibition, "People of Parramatta." I got two fractures in a left shoulder and a left wrist which required a surgery. I finally came back to an Urban Sketcher meeting this Dec and am on the mend. A few weeks ago, I bumped a sketcher at Queen Victoria Building in City. Fortunately, the street was closed for construction! No trafic! Another member's great idea, "Sadami, let's draw it now." We could not miss very the best opportunity to sketch the QVB from the front. 

It was wonderful to do it with the friend to lift myself up. The fractured shoulder was very painful though, we really enjoyed it. In all, I spent two days to finish it up. A complicated decoration fascinated me so much. Yet, it has harmony and rhythm like music that charms a sketcher. Many people talked to us. It was a great fun. The friend and I said, "We will sketch together more!" 

I also recently went to St Mary cathedral square to sketch a famous "life size nativity." It was so lovely to sketch the nativity for the first time that I had longerd for sketching in my life. That famous scene that Jesus was born had many symbolic animals, in my eyes. A donkey, a white dove (in a shepherd's hand) and sheep which has meanings and roles in Bible. I imagined... and a little bit changed statues -- Mary and Joseph are smiling at a little Jesus. Baby Jesus is smiling back to them.

Sketching has been a reward to relax myself, for I have submitted a story board of a picture book, whilst looking after the fractures. I'm getting better. Now, Publisher/Editor Helen Chamberlin and Mentor Ann James are on a holiday leave. Yey! I could find time to upload a post.  

If you're interested in my hectic(?!) life or a hilarious tragicomedy, come over, Sadami's Graffiti. We are having fun! 

Thank you for visiting and a strong support. Particularly, members cheers have encouraged me. I wish you 2016 will be a wonderful year. I hope that I will post like before and behave a good girl in 2016. 

Friends, Happy Painting, but have a nice vacation! Don't hurry, even on the way to your own exhibition. Show me your beautiful smiling in 2016! 

ANZAC Centenary, Peace Forver

Friends, thank you very much for the strong support. This whole post was included in "ANZAC Illustrated" exhibition at Clunes International Booktown Festival. All works were created by Australian picture book illustrators. I was included into them. A great honour. It is the Australia's largest book trading event and the only booktown in a southern hemisphere. 

*                                      *                                 * 

I sketched the private collections : a veteran's private monochrome photos, watches and a uniform that were dedicated for ANZAC. They were displayed in a public library like a museum. ANZAC day, 25th April is the remembrance day of soldiers and served people in Australia. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Originally it was to honour the ANZAC members who fought in Gallipoli against Turkey in WWI. 100 years have passed. 
Casuality : Over 80,000 Arab and Turkish soldiers were killed. Their wounded number was doubled Australian soldiers. Nearly 9,000 Australian soldiers lost their lives. About 140,000 allied troops were killed or wounded. Totall : Estimated casuality was nearly 400,000 on both sides. 

What's the meaning of ANZAC, our respect and mourning today? In my view, the message of died soldiers is simple, "Never repeat war. Remember our sacrifices for peace. Pass on a better world to a next generation." I'm certain that none of killed or served people wants us to make war. How much died people wanted to come home safely to see us, family, loves and friends!  What do you think, Friends? In your own country, you have a similar remembrance day.Today, sadly, there are still wars on the earth. (*NOTE : A soldier's ID is changed below.) 

I enjoyed the sketching in the library. All exhibited things belonged to a librarian's father, who already passed away. (She happily permitted my sketch and always encourages my art activities.) The monochrome photo was framed in a cracked glass. 

"Did your father talk of war?" I asked the librarian.  

"No. I think it was from post war trauma."
As far as I know few veterans speak of war experiences and keep a heavy silence. The two librarans' sons are serving right now. They are worried about precious sons' lives and safety. All of us agreed, "Against any war." My sketches made the librarians very happy. She added in a cheerful tone, "Great honour. My father should be very happy with your sketches. Blog it!" Thank you for your cooperation and warm cheers. 

While sketching, my sketching interested people and they talked to me in the library. 
If I dare to explain my drawing theoretically, "value" is the key. In narrative, small settings are crucial, too. Did you realise that I changed the soldier's eye contact in colour from the black and white drawing? I made him more facing us straightly. Really a slight change though, it has made a mood. I always weigh on eyes in portraits. Or Friends, can you explain my painting features for me?? That'll be great and fun. I really appreciate your kind help! 

A blog friend says,  "How interesting you can take something as static as a watch and still give it life in some way - how do you do that? It doesn't look dull and static when you paint it but has a vibrancy and life to it - you do that with everything, not just people so it must just be your personal style :)."

Thank you. I actually do not know well how I did it. Yes, it's my style much like from my instinct. "Colour" is my most favorite area and tool. None of theories explains it. Can you ask a bird why sings? 

Technically, I chose a "realistic" and "calm/quiet" approach to the subjects. The sketches gave me confidence how to colour the images created from monochrome photos. I added colours on figures from my own imagination. Imagination and creativity are humans wings to fly across a sky freely, is my belief. 

Parramatta library calls for post cards for women and men currently serving for Australian army (Wednesday 8 April to Friday 24 April 2015). I wrote 2 and added the sketches of Parramatta landscapes in them. Wow, what an honour, the library displays my submitted post cards on a board as samples. "Your sketches are so beautiful!" says a librarian about why they put my postcards (thank u!). Collected ones will be sent to Department of Defence to forward to our military personnel all around the world. I hope our little bit compassion will comfort people in army. 

In addition, I also wrote what we had discussed about ANZAC, a national identity and human rights in a uni sociology tut and included the sketch of a soldier's belt and eating set in my own blog. If you'd like to think of ANZAC and related stuff above, come over my blog, "Sadami's Graffiti" that has a bibliography. 

Back to the topic. I hope we will bequeath a better world to a next generation from the precious experience of ANZAC. I also hope, we, illustrators and artists will work on sending the important message, the want for peace in art. 

Friends, Happy Painting! 

Parramatta Changing Into Australia's Great City

Hi, Friends, I'm sketching architectures to show changing Parramatta in both black and white and colours. The development plan will transform Parramatta into Australia's great city in commercial, cultural, medical and social phases. You can check the info here, "Parramatta Major Development." Parramatta interests me by her strong contrasts : historical vs modern, chaotic vs neat, back streets vs promenades. European settlers marked a first step on Parramatta. Already, this city has become the CBD that has collected Departments of NSW State Government, Court etc as well as City in Sydney ( = Gov Depts often have dual addresses equally in City and Parramatta). The function of Parramatta is increasing.

St John's Anglican Church and Parish (*All work size is A4)  

A restaurant on Church St called "Eat Street" 

In order to enhance Parramatta's function and upgrade the quality of life, reconstruction and refurbishment has started. In the very near future, sky high towers will stand in Parramatta : Western Sydney University, Cumberland Newspaper/News Ltd Site (Media Centre), Westmead Medical Research Hub, a shopping centre etc, etc. The new huge car parks are ongoing that I sketched. 

Also, Parramatta CBD is culturally rich to have over 180 restaurants, cafes, eateries and bars that have the most exotic cuisines from around the world. Especially, Church St is called "Eat street." It has many yummy restaurants on both sides. I sketched the Italian restaurant from the opposite side, near to a traffic light (the second image). Thank you for the ice cream shop staff. They respected me and turned a blind eye for my sketching...and gave me "Wow!"

Unlike my figures with graphite, my architecture takes time. It's not a loose style. Regarding colours, I'm playing with them, whilst sticking to reality at the moment. I want more time to explore my own watercolour style in architecture. My current figurative drawing and loose painting has taken years to develop from a traditional classic style. Or I may stay with this accurate drawing in architecture? So far, I feel comfortable and it's fun. See how it goes.

Back to the topic. Parramatta is going to be the great city. I want to explore this city more. Dynamically and dramatically, Parramatta is dressing up herself! I look forward to what sort of lady will come up. 
Btw, often my sketching puzzles people walking by on streets. They talk to me, "You're drawing!" with surprise. Maybe, my drawing is mismatching to a restaurant or a car park or a construction site?! I believe an artist is a person who has the eye to discover the beauty in ordinary objects. An object will turn to be a subject and begin to shine. We, artists pick up a gem from mud.

Did you enjoy my architecture? Any feedback is welcome. If you like, I'll post architectural drawings more, picking up an interesting topic from time to time. Local shops and Parramatta Heritage Centre welcome my sketching. Passer-bys cheer me up. They are very nice and supportive ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ. Thank you!!
Btw, some Friends may say, "Hey, Sadami, you've hated architecture?" Well, here's a bit funny story how I cured the dislike with these architectural paintings between editor Helen Chamberlin, Australian celebration and me and my tips how to sketch architecture. If you like to read on it, come over my blog post, "My dislike of architecture cured by Parramatta sketches" at "Sadami's Graffiti".

Friends, Happy Painting! 

Bibliography
Parramatta Council (2015) "Building Australia's Next Great City-- Changes Ahead,"
http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/your_council/news/changes_ahead
Parramatta Council (2014) "Parramatta Major Development" 
http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/economic_development/major_developments

3days Stay In Melbourne, John Barrow Collection, PM Literary Awards

Hi, Friends, I spent time with Australian prominent illustrators, authors, publishers and agencies at John Barrow Collection organised by the mentor Ann James in Melbourne. It displayed the priceless original illustrations and illustrators' work processes. It was amazing to see the originals in my own eyes and compared them to picture books set at originals. I've learned lot. Great fun to meet super stars in person such as Leigh Hobbs, Gabrielle Wang, Jane Tanner, Craig Smith etc, etc, oh, too many to write them up. Some people who could not join ask Ann to have it again in next Feb. Sweet editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin took me to a cafe and we enjoyed a chat. Very supportive Helen introduced me to others. I really appreciate many people's support.

"Flinders St Station"

A next day, Monday, Ann and Helen were invited to Prime Minister Literary Awards 2014 in the evening. Helen accompanied Shaun Tan. (*Yes, Helen has nurtured Shaun and gave him a debut chance in children picture books.)  In a Children's fiction section, Bob Graham's picture book, "Silver Buttons" won!  I love Bob's work and admire him! Bob donated his winnings to refugees! What a marvelous coincidence! Ann James organised Bob's exhibition in Canberra in the past June last year. We celebrated Bob's win. I'm very happy to work with such a fantastic mentor and to be surrounded by humanistic illustrators who have a big heart and passion for social justice.  

 "Melbourne Town Hall and Trams"

In Melbourne, trams are cute and singing "ting, ting" always.  

Btw, it's much cooler in Melbourne than in Sydney. In Sydney, I do not need any long sleeves right now in summer. But in Melbourne, a light overcoat or a jacket are essential. How come? Beside a cool temperature, a weather is changing dramatically there. It is called, "Four seasons are in a day," brrrrr! I luckily sketched architectures in sunshine. 

One more, I'd write about the wonderful volunteer spirit in Melbourne! (Sydney does not have them on main streets.) When you get lost on streets what/whenever, find people in red uniforms. They happily help you! Volunteers love Melbourne! 

Thank you for people in Melbourne. You gave me a wonderful memory and heart warming time there. 
Now, I'll work on ongoing projects and portraits. 
Friends, Happy Painting! 

Gift From the Sea

Hi, Friends, I enjoyed a first swim at Narrabeen beach and re-read "Gift from the Sea" written by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I've loved that book since my late twenties. Her insightful writing always gives me what a woman's life is at each stage from youth to aging, regarding relationship, marriage, creative activities and solitude in a modern society. Anne's very frank and unsentimental eye on herself and topics are very touching -- as if we were having a conversation in person. Young readers will find advice on marriage and love in Anne's comparing the shapes of shells to women's life stages. Middle aged readers will find comfort and suggestion in the maturing process of life. Aged people will find a direction to go both outward and inner world. 

Now, this is my first sketch of the sea. I play with waves on paper as well as in water! The fresh green of a big wave attracted me. Big waves in Narrabeen beach are popular among surfers. Always waves capture my heart. Its colours, movements and shapes are changing or waves never stay the same. It is much like our lives. I made this sketch around noon. Fortunately, the weather was good and the watercolour painting relatively got dried well. 

Today, I did not collect any shell. (*Usually, I pick up some shells.) Like Anne Morrow Lindbergh writes, I know we cannot collect all shells -- we all, one day, clearly realise the limitation of abilities and time given on the earth. But it is the beauty of maturing ; know what we are well and properly. So, we can concentrate on what we want/need to do. This paradox is true, I feel, if we go any direction in the limitation, we can find eternity and no restriction.

People enjoyed swimming, surfing, sun tanning or just walking on the beach. A water temperature was a bit cold, 18'C. Often people said to me, "You're brave!" Only a first step was cold. Once, you jump in a pool, that's fine. An ocean, like a mother, kindly held me, water was not cold at all. Few people were in the pool and almost mine early in the morning! Big waves broke against the walls of the pool and made splashes! Some came into the pool. That's very impressive, but hard to capture it. Anyway, this is my try. I hope you can hear waves and the sounds from the sea.

Then, the below is the sketch of the pool. A day time saving has started from this Sunday. We are getting into summer. Our long weekend was over. Each of us will go back to routine from tomorrow. But it was lovely to have had such a rich quiet time in the off days.

I feel like reading well that book, "Gift From the Sea." Quite a thin book, yet it's full of wisdom in lyrical and rhythmical sentences like waves sounds. If you have a spare time, it's worth reading.

Friends, Happy Painting!

Archibald2014, Most Famous Portrait Prize in Australia : Elated, Hot, Contemporary, Traditional, Whatever!

Hi, Friends, come and see Archibald. The most famous portrait prize in Australia. I'd post sketches of a winner Fiona Lowry, "Penelope Seidler," and intertesting portraits, Sophia Hewson, "Atrtist kissses subject (Missy Higgins!)," Anh Do, "Father." I've felt 2014 Archibald is different from other years. NSW Gallery staff said, "Yes, the committee has changed. Different judges." I see... 

You can find 

1) more small works in, (but no watercolour), 
2) more "ordinary" models work in, not super-famous people. eg) artist's parents, a son, next door, butchery  -- it has surprised me and encourages me!  
3) some first try artists in. 

In a technical aspect, the finalists show wonderful diversity. An individual approach is very unique that excites me so much. 

Archibald winner Fiona Lowry's work shows the grace, dignity and beauty of old people. 

Fiona was a Doug Moran winner in 2008 -- I remember her self-nude very well, a young lady! Fiona uses a very interesting approach, acrylics and air brush.  I've immediately realised that the model's eyes were clearly drawn, the focal point of the painting. A rest of the work is softly blurred. Air brush works very well. A slight and delicate colour, thin raw sienna? is put around the model that contrasts to the background created in a very, very modest raw sienna plus patchy green? It comes out like a black and white from a distnce. Fiona's tender approach shows women's delicacy and the model displays an experienced career woman's dignity and elegance.  

2014 Archibald Winner, Fiona Lowry, "Penelope Seidler," Medium acrylic on canvas

Sketching finalists' work gives me wonderful insights of technical and psychological aspects of creators. **Please pay attention to gallery visitors' height like a scale that tells how big work is.

NSW Art Gallery

Sketched it before opened. Cold, early in the morning!

A bit coffee break for you. Tada~~, a hot and controversial work! An artist is kissing Subject, Missy Higgins (*popular Australian singer song writer) --- has got in. To this hot subject, viewers' reactions are quite interesting. Men show very negative responses to this work. On the other hand, women look neutral or swinging between acceptance or disapproval. In the sketch, I put both man and woman. Although each painting has a tag, plain writing for "kids" to help understand work, this work does not have it. 

Sophia Hewson, "Atrtist kissses subject," oil on board

Regarding an entry condition of "model's publicity," the staff emphasised, "It's "preferably," a public figure." I interpreted, "It gives artists room and flexibility. Any model is acceptable?" The staff affirmed my say. The staff's say is a great encouragement. Thank you. For example, Anh Do, has created his father's portrait in strong strong strokes and vivid colours. Yet, his colour use is very sensitive that shows a well-organised "value." Anh Do is a multi talented person : a successful comedian, TV presenter, author and fine artist/portraitist. His refugee experience from Vietnam has become a children picture book, too. In our society, if a person keeps a positive attitude, I believe, always nice people support diadvantaged people and it opens doors. That's the beauty of human society.  

Anh Do, "Father," Oil on Canvas

Our faces fascinate me most in drawing subjects. Eyes, eyebrows, mouth, ears etc, etc, "landscapes" in each face tell a story profound, precious and different. Yet, we have commonality and can mutually embrace. My mentor Ann James says, "Your positivity and watercolour and seeing and reflecting people so well is partly because you feel so much." Yes, I feel something that intrigues me to keep drawing people. 

I happily work on portraits.   

BTW, Hooray!!!!! Regarding CBCA book of the year 2014, 

CBCA announced winners and honour books.

Congrats for all the people!

http://cbca.org.au/winners-2014.htm

Also, Crichton Award for New Illustrators is,

http://cbca.org.au/crichton-winner-2014.htm

We celebrated my mentor Ann James and editor Helen Chamberlin's awards. A lovely author, Janeen Brian and Ann illustrated "I'm a Dirty Dinosaur," has become an honoured book for Early Childhood. (*I once illustrated Janeen's text.)  

Shaun Tan's work, "Rules of Summer" won "Picture Book." Of course, that book was edited by a brilliant editor, Helen Chamberlin! Helen, you're great! 

Friends, Happy Painting!!! 

Handmade House in Bush, "Kangaroos, Wombats are Next Door"

Hi, Friends, did you enjoy your Easter Holiday? We had a great time in the "BUSH" (= "wild or uncultivated country," in Australian English). We had to drive down to Town to buy food, see people, sheep or cows. The trees are alive and the creatures that share it all with us are very generous!
One more, yes, Friends, please get surprised that we stayed at an all-handmade house. Thirty years ago, like pioneers, my dear friend's sibling built up the house brick by brick with friends' help on a hill. Tada~~, see this wonderful and super-solid brick house with a chimney and water tanks! What I loved most was that the house has all 19th century setting in it -- no electricity! As if we were time slipping back to a frontier time!

Can you imagine? Oh, everything antique in the house, around the house amused visitors such as a kitchen, an attic room, a loo, furniture, coal irons, oil lamps, a white tin pail bucket etc, etc, Hail the builders' frontier spirit!

I'll take you into the house.
Here, a kitchen has a very old fashioned atmosphere. What would you like to cook for dinner? I've also learned how much important water is in bush. We tried to save it as much as possible. 

Now, let me take you to upstairs. Watch your steps (no handle!). I've loved this attic bedroom so much. You cannot imagine how much I got excited to sketch this room and its light! Hope you can feel the mood.

BTW, an out side of the house, I picked up a small animal's skull, old and broken. I googled a rabbit, a possum, a kangaroo, a wombat, a flying fox, a sheep, a dingo, a cat, but none of them seems to match that skull (*or simply because my lack of knowledge of animal anatomy...) Mystery?! Does anyone have an idea?  

In the bush, kangaroos and wombats are next doors. I've found that kangaroos' grey is camouflaging them in the bush, because gum trees and eucalyptus tree trunks are grey! It was very hard to tell kangaroos in trees. Some brave kangaroos came to the house, just under our window or even at a door! Wow!! They quickly skipped away from us, when we looked at them. So, all my sketched kangaroos are back figures.
In bush walking, the friends said, "Wombats put (their pulled down) trees over their holes and cover it." Oh, I see. But trees were too big and too clear. I said, "Well, in my eyes, it's more like showing off their house number plates, not cover-up!" We giggled!

When a night came, so many stars came up. Those dark starry skies were incredible. Interestingly, when the bright moon rose, the stars lost shining and the dark sky got brighter.  
Then, a chimney was so pleasant in eye and for heart. Come closer and make yourself at home. Relax! (*Under a lamp, in the nearly darkness, I made this image! But an enhanced value worked well. Hurray!) 

Each of us said, "I want to stay here more and don't want to go back to Sydney!" at the end of holidays.

It was wonderful to stay in a countryside. My picture book mentor Ann James is so glad to know this experience has enriched my images. Great inspirations for illustration!! Friends, go to the "bush" and sketch anything that interests you!
Friends, Happy Painting!