Water inspired

Final abstract mixed media A3 painting

This abstract mixed media painting was inspired by the colours of water over submerged sand islands viewed whilst descending towards Cairns off the coast of Far North Queensland, Australia.

Concept sketch 1
Concept sketch 2

Whilst on holiday in Port Douglas, using my husband’s 1980s Winsor and Newton Sketcher’s palette, I completed a couple of concept sketches on A6 cartridge paper.

After returning home, I started with a pencil oval outline filled with light watercolour washes in acqua, blue, and green. Texture was created by adding large clean salt crystals that absorbed the water and hues.

The outline was inked in and more washes added.

First draft

Water was sprayed on sections of the picture freeing up the colours to merge, and the edges and outline to soften. Darker shades were added to the water droplets and encouraged to flow into each other. Salt recycled from other paintings was added to create random patches of soft brown and pink.

The above was repeated a few times until the final version emerged.

Port Douglas, Far North Queensland

Our first visit to Port Douglas was en route from Cairns to a QuickSilver snorkeling boat trip from Cairns to the Barrier Reef in around 1999.

The next time in 2005, we stayed at Palm Cove between Cairns and Port Douglas and went for lunch at Salsa Bar and Grill situated in a classic white Queenslander near the marina.

In December 2006, we came for Christmas, an experience that literally took our breath away with the extreme heat and humidity. Thereafter we came annually in October for about eight years always staying at the Pink Flamingo Resort, managed by Cath, Sam, and Leigh.

In 2013, we were joined by friends for my fiftieth birthday celebration. By that time, Gigi and Andrea were managing the Resort. They moved on to open their own Gunnahdoo boutique holiday property in Rocky Point north of Port Douglas.

The following year we honeymooned at the Pink Flamingo before getting married a week after my birthday. We are thrilled to be back in Port Douglas after ten years.

Sadly, the Pink Flamingo Resort is looking like it needs some TLC.

Bougainvillea litter

The entrance to our villa is marked on the ground by bougainvillea litter, strewn by the breeze. However, the picture does not capture the majestic proportions of the palm trees standing sentinel over the Pink Flamingo resort. 

Winter beauties

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Like a person possessed I have accumulated quite a number of pictures of flowers while in Port Douglas, Australia. The one on the left is a member of the ginger family, I have no idea what the other two are, any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Mermaids?

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Each time I walk past these water lilies my imagination takes a plunge into fantasy, I see green fish or exotic mermaids taking a dive into the pond.