Newcastle and the Hunter

After a full on day in my Gallery, I was pumped to stop talking about my artworks with people and get out and capture one!

This was my 4th attempt to get a nice Redhead sunset, each previous attempt foiled by nature, people or my own forgetfulness (Apparently I need a tripod to shoot).

I had really high hopes for this evening, there was a strong wind, and interesting cloud formation. I had hoped to get a nice vertical panorama with beautiful lit up clouds overhead.

As sometimes happens though, nature has its own intentions, and I just have to roll with it. This soft cloud glow was the best of the night, as the sun sank into a dense cloud bank before it really had a chance to bring much colour to the clouds.

I used the opportunity to get some muted sand and water colours, brought together by these incredible rock formations and the surf lifesaving tower. The quick moving clouds created a nice soft sky for the tower to stand against.

One summer evening we decided to join friends for a picnic at Warner's Bay. They told us it's usually lovely there for sunset, music, cheese and crackers. But this particular evening there was a storm approaching after a rainy day so the music was cancelled. We convened with our friends and decided to risk the weather and enjoy a night off from working. Ha, who am I kidding, I'm always working when we are out and about at sunset.

We were all sitting there and then all of a sudden we looked at each other and said 'I think the sunset might actually do something interesting'. I left Amanda, Aria and our friends, Erica and Ash and ran to the car to get my gear.

As I set myself up, this young couple perched themselves on the end of the pier, enjoying the moment, each other's company and their love for each other. The sun continued to set and give off these amazing sun rays and light up the sky. The lake was silent, calm and elegant, it matched the mood of this young couple perfectly.

The storm was still getting closer, so not long after this shot we packed up to head home before we got wet. Such a contrast to what was miserable rainy day.

 This image was commissioned by a customer, to whom this area was very special, particularly the Yellow Rock Bluff above. We spend a few days in the area around Broke looking for compositions and testing them out. We then made a few trips out to the Valley when the clouds looked like they may light up, unsuccessfully, until finally this night we got it! The Cherry tree is in full bloom next to a farm dam, and the Yellow Rock Bluff looks down over the scene. 

This image was a lucky capture that I shot while leading a photography workshop. I spent my afternoon teaching others how I go about my photography captures and after helping and setting the participants up with their compositions I decided it was my turn to have some fun. So while jumping between participants and my own camera I spent a few minutes on this one.

I love the contrast of day and night, whist showing life in Newcastle city, reflected in the Canoe Pool at Newcastle Baths.

Ahhh those summer beach days, this shot of Dixon Park Beach, Merewether captures Newcastle in the Summer holidays.

I absolutely love everything this image shows; the white sandy beach, the turquoise blue water, the gentle waves, the beach goers enjoying the sunshine, it just makes my heart sing and happiness burst out. 

A beautiful pastel vertical panorama image that sweeps you off your feet into the serenity of the ocean. Taken as sunset glows behind, the aqua water shines through the waves as they roll onto the shore.  

I tend to find myself drifting off to an unknown world when I look into the image. I wonder where I can go next in my life journey and what is on the horizon for me and my family. I can feel the sand washing out from under my toes as I sink into the image.

I created this artwork to bring some Newcastle peace and calmness to my space and remind me the future is beyond tomorrow, it is all the days ahead.