A Contemporary Impressionistic landscape painting of the Mundaring Weir in the Hills Perth Western Australia. The painting captures the spectacular atmospheric light here in WA. Mundaring Weir has an interesting history. C. Y. O’Connor engineered the project to create the Weir and pump water out to the goldfields in Kalgoorlie, east of Perth via a 500km pipeline which would service both the goldfields and towns along the route. The Weir was completed in 1902 it was said to be the highest overflow dam in the world. O’Connor was ridiculed by some members of the press who relentlessly attacked him and his supporter, premier John Forrest, accusing him of misappropriating public moneys for a project that was doomed to failure. Sadly O’Connor succumbed to the pressure and committed suicide before the project was completed. An assistant engineer took over, and the project was completed and commissioned less than a year after his death. Mundaring Weir now supplies water to many towns along the route to Kalgoorlie, as well as Kalgoorlie itself.
This painting is a tribute to such a genius and testament to his vision which supports many people and communities today. The Weir is a beautiful sight. Apart from its historical significance the Weir is a stunning place to relax and rejuvenate. I painted this plein air on a winters day in 2018. It is also the place in which my husband of 30 years decided to marry, settle and raise our daughter.
Update:
The painting is now on the front cover of the Mundaring Chamber of Commerce book for local businesses.