Low Tide at Careel Bay

I live in Avalon (Northern Beaches of Sydney), very close to Careel Bay - the location of this fine painting. I was struck by the scene of low tide, late in the afternoon in the Spring and the contrast between the dinghies left high and dry in the foreground and the larger ocean-going vessels still afloat.
I find Careel Bay a very pleasant place and filled with atmosphere. I feel relaxed, very time to go there to get a flat-white from the little coffee shop at the end of the wharf, which is pictured on the extreme right of the painting.

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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.