My first trip to Townsville, North Queensland, was in 1977. On my arrival from Sydney, friends took me to the top of local landmark Castle Hill which had a panoramic view of the coast line, the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. The first thing I noticed was the change in light from Sydney. Second, I was immediately captivated by the colours, turquoise water of Cleveland Bay, the shapes and shadows of the hills on Magnetic Island and the shapes of distant islands of the Palm Group and misty Hinchinbrook in the far distance. I was hooked! This trip changed my life and my art. Three years later my wife and I moved to Townsville where we have been ever since. I am still captivated by the tropical colours and light.