Early Morning at Whale Beach

Whale Beach, Sydney Northern Beaches, Australia
At the end of my regular morning walk to whaley (Whale Beach) I was struck by the silhouette of this group, gathered for a purpose. It looked a bit strange so early in the morning.
The teardrop banner on the left reads "NASA."
Turns out, NASA stands for North Avalon Surfriders Association) which holds monthly surfing competitions for members on the last Saturday of the month.
But I was more interested in their silhouette against the morning eastern sky. So picturesque!
I no longer paint en plein air. I take photos to capture the moment in time, and I render it in oil paint in my studio.
My studio is my front balcony, open to the Avalon bush. So, I guess I do paint en plein air.

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I am a retired high school art teacher, university professor, and pastor. As a young teenager growing up in Sydney I enjoyed plein air oil painting. The Australian landscape has been my interest all my life. Now, much older and after a number of changes in career, I am able to rediscover my love of oil landscape painting. No longer en plein air, I paint in my studio from photos I have taken on sight, having experienced the scene I endeavour to interpret on canvas.

I am not a self-expressionist; I don't see any worth in venting my feelings. Some of those must come through, I'm sure, but my focus is on God's Creation...the wonder of it. There is so much wonder and beauty to meditate upon. I paint, seizing the moment: waves in detail, surfers doing what they love, seagulls on the beach, two men strolling pensively on the shore and children playing carelessly in the sand, still others enjoying - just enjoying.

I love Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches. What a privilege to live here! I'm back from 20 years living overseas, and I find my life has come full circle - I'm painting again - with new vigour, interest, a wealth of experience to share and most of all, a fresh appreciation for the native beauty of this place I call home.