2011 Dodge Challenger at Port Taranaki

Late afternoon sun on a car parked down near the breakwater at low tide. The days are starting to get longer now.

Ombu

Here's a sketch of a 150-year old creepy looking tree. The hotel, where it's at, was somewhat built around it to keep it. It's actually a NZ Registered Notable Tree although when it was listed the site was still a church property.

The Million dollar Ombu Tree.

A heritage protected Phytolacca dioica.We weren't sure if it was a million dollar tree because it cost a million dollars to preserve it while the hotel it is next to was being built, or because they would have been fined a million dollars if they cut it down. There are only three of these trees in New Zealand apparently. It is approximately 150 years old, 20 metres tall and 25 metres wide. You can't fit all of that tree onto one page!

 The challenge with this tree was it was so big and complicated you kept losing your place! And the rain...........of course.

Here are a few photos. Sepia seemed like a good idea.

Royal Enfield

Whilst sketching the rare 150 year old Ombu tree, this Enfield Bullet parked up, it started to rain so I abandoned the tree and moved across to the bike - umbrella sketching.

10th September 2016 St Mary's Cathedral.

St Mary's Cathedral, the oldest stone church in New Zealand. The land it stands on was obtained in 1842 and the church was built in 1845-1846. We could only sketch outside as the church is now closed for earthquake strengthening. This earthquake strengthening and remediation is expected to cost between $8-10 million. That's a lot of fundraising!

Blue biro and watercolour.

Mind Mapping

Because the weather was less conducive for sketching we had a talk on Mind Mapping - just for something completely different.

Maurice gave a good example of preparing for an artwork commission discussion.  I shared some work and exam examples and finished up with this example of preparing for a talk on sketching.

Time for a Haircut

A sketch at the barbers that I go to. I like how the decor is a bit old-timey - a real barbershop. Snip snip, chop chop, talk some shop. Pitter patter, a bit of banter, and you're done.

Two Weekends Ago at the Fernery, Pukekura Park.

Here is my sketch from a couple of weekends ago. I've drawn the fish in the fernery pool at Pukekura Park multiple times, and they don't really get any easier! Here they are again and I'm still not happy. I think another visit will be called for.

 Make a Wish! The money thrown into the pool buys food for the fish. I note they're quite fat.

I do like the effect in my moleskine sketchbook. Two different days in the same location together.

St Marys

Now closed for earthquake proofing - for a number of years

St Marys

Sketched by Patricia

Te Henui Vicarage

Constructed of Taranaki volcanic andesite in 1845,  It is the extension to the original sandstone house and all that remains.  It is used by the Taranaki potters and now has an earthquake warning sign outside.

2016

         

2009                                                                                    2011

1985

Pottering

Potting at the Vicarage - they were most hospitable