Well there’s been very little news of late as you can imagine, being locked down for some time and with  Covid-19 being at the forefront of our minds and lives. The Great Ocean Road Plein Air workshop was cancelled after 9 days, with border closures being imminent. The group was  very happily painting outdoors each day with not a care in the world. At night we would watch the news and wince as the full horror of what was happening globally and in Australia unfolded.

After a rushed trip back home I decided to make the most of the down time and like many other people, re-established my neglected garden beds, planting a heap of winter veg which I am now beginning to enjoy. I was also fortunate enough to be able to walk a lot, enjoy a coffee in the bush with my thermos, and afternoon drinks with friends. And of course I painted… So life much as usual really without the angst of pressure.

Now Australia is opening up slowly an offer to travel to Cowra and visit and paint a place that is very special to me came my way. Mick’s Creek is a winding creek set deep in the heart of a private farm at Boorowa. Lined with ancient twisted River Red Gums, it is a rare find these days. For the past few years the creek has been totally dry, but due to good rainfall out West, at present it is holding plenty of water which is even running in places. I have never seen it look so beautiful – shrouded in a veil of mist with perfect reflections of the massive gums staring back from still pools of water. I feel very grateful and privileged to have been present at this once in a lifetime experience when all the planets aligned! I can’t wait to share some of the paintings I do with you at some not too distant time in the future.