Anti fouling.

Two dear friends of mine, Brent and Charmaine, mixing and applying anti fouling to a keeler in the Nelson Marina. When you are a painter you just gotta love those hi vis jackets!



"Antifouling" oil on panel. 8x10in.


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Cherry Blossom trees

It was a lovely day in Miyazu Park, but I think that the cherry blossom is nearly over for this year. The blossom is still lovely, but the green leaves are just past bud burst. Perhaps tomorrow and that will be it.



"Cherry Blossom Trees". Oil on panel. 8x10in.


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Tahunanui Spring

The snow has largely gone from the ranges. The breeze was warm and gentle. I largely had the back beach to myself and the occasional dog walker. A very pleasant day to be out painting.


"Tahunanui Back beach in Spring". Oil on panel. 8x10in.


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Cherry Blossom

This is the painting I wanted to do yesterday, but there was too much wind to allow the reflections to develop as I would have liked. Today was lovely and still. A lot of people enjoying the gardens and the stillness. So fragile, so lovely, and for so short a time.



"Cherry Blossom in Miyazu Park" oil on panel. 8x10in. 150902

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Location:Maitai Valley Road,Maitai,New Zealand

Daylight saving and plein air painting begins.

Tonight we switch over to daylight saving. At PAPON we also start the new plein air season, painting as a group on Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm for those who like to paint with others.
Every Saturday I will post here and on my Facebook page where we will be meeting.
Tomorrow I will be at Miyazu Park again, enjoying the blossom. I look forward to seeing you there.



"Cherry Blossom. Miyazu Park". Oil on panel. 8x10in..


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Old Fishing Shack at Ligar Bay

This old charmer is on a sand spit at Ligar Bay, South Island. The weather was changeable but the rain held off long enough to get this one in the box. Don't you just love spring weather?






"Old Fishing Shack, Ligar Bay". Oil on panel. 8x10 in.


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Duck Pond in the Queen's Gardens

Spring is upon us. I'm back out plein air painting. Blossom time next. This is a sort of tune up for the year ahead.


"Duck Pond in the Queen's Gardens". Oil on panel. 12x16 in.


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Branford Park in Autumn

Another one from the rack, ready for the show.




"Branford park in Autumn". Oil on panel. 9x12 in.

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High tide, Waimea Estuary

Another painting from the rack, being selected for the 100 paintings show. The title is a local in joke: You can only sail in the estuary at most two hours before and after high tide. After that it is all mud banks and tidal creeks. Hence, if he is sailing, then it must be high tide...



"High Tide. Waimea Estuary". Oil on panel. 7x11 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlick@inspire.net.nz

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Getting ready for the big show

Two paintings, framed ready for the August show. I dug these out of the rack, both painted last year. I hope that there are more treasures waiting.



"Cherry Blossom". 5 x 9 in. Oil on panel.




"Into the Routeburn". Oil on panel. 9x12 in.


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Sixty five frames.

Sixty five frames being painted today. I have to have 100 for my exhibition next month. It's a big job, but at least I'm on the way.
No new paintings this week.
Studio time is being spent on touch ups.



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St Arnaud by the Lake.

I'm preparing for the first major show of this year, and in doing so I'm revisiting some of the earlier paintings I enjoyed, and painting larger studio versions.

This one was largely inspired by the work of Turner, English painter of extraordinary skies.



15166. "St Arnaud by the Lake". Oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Mount Arthur from Rocks Road

A glorious sunny, warm mid winter's day. It has been a dreadful past few days, but the winter storms have passed leaving Mount Arthur and the Arthur Range blanketed with some of the best snow cover I've seen here in Nelson for years.

For once I did not have to travel hundreds of kilometres South to find inspiration. Wonderful.



15165. "Mount Arthur from Rocks Road". 9x12 in. $150.

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Rangitikei River at Mangaweka

Weather continues to be a challenge. Some overcast, some rain, and quite a lot of wind. Not conducive to tranquility when one is working metres away from a cliff top.
Still, even under some pressure I managed to get this completed.
I have always loved the white papa cliffs of the Rangitikei. It has become a bit of a pilgrimage over the years. I try to get here at least once a year.
They never disappoint.



15164. "Rangitikei River at Mangaweka". Oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Location:Bunny Street,Pipitea,New Zealand

Ruapehu from Tangiwai

I was very fortunate that the clouds parted for a few minutes every so often, and I caught glimpses of the mountain from time to time. Then it really closed in. No more mountain, then it started to drizzle.
By then I had the painting nailed. Sometimes having to work fast, and not being able to spend hours noodling it can be an advantage.
I think that this one works.



15163. "Ruapehu from Tangiwai". Oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased bt emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Wanganui River.

Wanganui has had a very challenging few weeks thanks to this normally placid river, known in earlier years as "the Rhine of New Zealand." Dreadful flooding has devastated parts of Wanganui and adjacent farmlands.
You would not pick this from the painting I completed today. Just as I was finishing an old friend who I had not seen for years drove up. We had tea at his place a few kilometres up the river from here, and I was shocked at the flood damaged paddocks and mud covered roads we passed.
He said that he and his wife had been stranded on their property for four days during the flood.
Thanks for tea, Brian and Jan. Most appreciated. You have a lovely place. I'm so glad the the waters stopped well short of your home.



15162 "Wanganui River" near Upukongaro. Oil on panel. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Manawatu River.

I painted this today from behind where we used to live in Palmerston North. It is such a beautiful spot. I forget just how much I loved it when I lived here.
The dogs loved it too. So many hours spent wandering along the river bank. A real joy and privilege to be a painter in NZ generally. Not just in Nelson eh?
Heh.



15161 "Manawatu River" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Towards Atawhai

I've painted this view from this spot so many times, and yet it is always different. Today it was the shape of the hills behind Atawhai, sweeping towards me. I've never really noticed this so clearly before. It's all about the light, the weather, the time of the day.

Delightful.



15160 "Towards Atawhai" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Nelson Haulout.

Today down at the haul out I was taken by the light playing on the hulls of these vessels. Wonderful translucent shadow forms and clips of light.

Their hulls are so beautiful. They truly exemplify the truth of the old saying, "Form follows function".

A boat that does not look good will not perform well.





15159. "Nelson Haulout" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Ahead of the storm

It is mid winter. We have passed the shortest day. And what a difference a day can make weather wise at this time of the year. Yesterday I was painting in the sunshine in Marborough. Today, only a hundred kilometres away, I'm standing in Nelson, down at the waterfront, shivering in my puffer jacket, brush in hand, facing a growing Westerly gale.
Absolutely worth it though. It's days like this that make us truly appreciate the golden days of summer.

The trawler heading into the Haven for shelter came late into my painting, but I think makes the story.



15158. "Ahead of the Storm". Oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Richmond Range from Renwick

It was a lovely day today. Even the wind obliged by being gentle, although cold. I was looking for somewhere slightly elevated, with a nice cross lighting of the range.
I found this just out of Renwick




15157. "Richmond Range from Renwick" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Rapaura road, Marlborough.

I have driven past this view many times but today I was able to stop and spend a few hours painting this.
Marlborough has very marked seasonal changes, thanks to it's vineyards. In winter the close clipped rows of vines have a lovely soft glow, quite different from the sharp greens of spring, the lush growth of summer, and the wild extravagance of autumn.
I will be back for more Marlborough en plein air.



15156. "From Raupara Road". Marlborough. Oil on panel. 8x12 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@imspire.net.nz

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Nelson Haven.

My home town. It's called Nelson Haven for good reason. Once behind the boulder bank small vessels and large are safe from the open sea. I painted this looking from the marina towards Atawhai.

It was a cold but clear day with little wind. Actually it was quite warm in the sun after a while, although it got cold again later.

I thought that the small yacht sitting on the hard near the Maitai River had found a good spot to rest and wait for the tide.



15155. "Nelson Haven" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Mt. Arthur in June.

Mt. Arthur, painted from the Waimea Estuary, behind Rabbit Island. This was painted following one of the coldest nights we have had for years. For once, I did not have to leave Nelson and drive South to find snowy hills.

It is just as well, as all the mountain passes are closed.



15154 "Mt. Arthur, in June". Oil on panel. 9 x 12 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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St Arnaud by the Lake

I've recently seen the wonderful film "Mr Turner". This view from Mt Robert with the clouds clearing over St. Arnaud was irresistible. Very cold wind blowing, occasional showers, I restricted myself to a very small panel. I would love to revisit it on a much larger scale.



15153. "St. Arnaud by the Lake". Oil on panel. 6x8in. $75

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Lake Rotoiti

First snow painting of this season! I was up here a few weeks ago, after hearing that there had been an early snow fall, but by the time I got up here, a few days later, it had been rained off.
Never mind. Today made up for it. One of the problems of painting in the mountains is that what you can see depends so much upon the cloud cover, and the direction of any wind.
I have several favourite locations around the foreshore, but this one was the only one that worked for me today. However, it was more than adequate. A very enjoyable day at the lake.



15152. "Lake Rotoiti". Oil on panel. 8 x 12 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Morning Roll Call.

Somehow appealed to my sense of humour. The wise old owl and his little flock.

I've been too long in the studio with my apples. Off to the mountains tomorrow. I hope to paint my first snow scenes of the year.



15151. "Morning Roll Call" oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100.

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Crab apples and silver dish.

Another rainy day so back into,the studio to paint still life. The apples are lasting, so I'll paint them while I can.

Still life is quite a different discipline than landscape, even although I'm painting it directly, using the same palette of colours and the same equipment that I use outdoors.

The compositional challenges are different. Still fun, but different. It makes a very pleasant change, however I'm looking forward to getting outside again soon.



15140. "Crabb Apples and a Silver Dish". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100

Any plein air painting may be purchased from this blog by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Crabb apples and sugar.

I have never seen Crabb apples so huge and so ripe as the ones our tree this year. The wax eyes are going nuts over them. There must have been a dozen of them working away in the crab apple tree. I must post a photo of it tomorrow.

In the meantime, the rain returned so it was back into the studio. I'm thinking Crabb apple jelly, so it was inevitable that I picked up the little sugar storage jar from the kitchen on the way out. It makes a nice composition, and reminds me that there is more joy to come from the crab apples yet. Yum!




15148. "Crab Apples and Sugar". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Nelson Haven.

After days of rain, the weather gods finally relented, and allowed the sun to shine. I am still enjoying painting my apples, but the opportunity to take my plein air kit and a small panel, and go looking for an out door subject was too good to miss.

I found this view along the boulder bank, looking towards Nelson. I included a "painting on location" shot so that those of you who don't live here can realize that yes, Nelson is this beautiful, and no, he is not exaggerating.







15147. "Nelson Haven". Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $75.

Any plein air painting may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz



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Apples and crab apples

This is better, but not there yet.



15146. "Apples and Crab Apples" oil on panel. 8x10 in. Unfinished.

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Unfinished apple still life

Rotten headache. Double vision. Off to bed. Finish this tomorrow.


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Apples.

Another rainy day. I'm enjoying painting these still life paintings so I set these apples up on the covered deck at the side of the house. A good place to work when it's too miserable to go down the valley or out to the beach.



15144 "Apples". Oil on panel. 12x10 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Apples

Painted this today as a demonstration at the Suter Cafe, as part of our annual plein air painter's exhibition opening.

Ok. I wasn't actually outside, but I was painting at a table by the window, and people could get a pretty good idea of what alla prima or direct painting is all about.

There must have been over forty people there at the peak. Not too bad for a Sunday afternoon, holiday weekend and all.

I think most people were surprised at how fast the painting came together. As I have so often said in the past, on such occasions: "How long to paint something like this? One hour, and twenty years. But the twenty years has to come first." Grin.



15143 ."Apples". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. Sold

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Location:Maitai Valley Road,Maitai,New Zealand

Haul out

Back at the Marina. I just love the shadows and clips of light. Boat hulls cast wonderful shadows, and have splendid graduated tonal structures revealing form.

But most of all I love painting them because they are so evocative, so beautiful.

I think that it is a bloke thing.



15142. "Haulout." Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Maitai Valley mural.

The Maitai Valley mural is now blocked in, but looks a bit " night and day". Unfortunately the light went off the wall earlier than I expected today, so tomorrow I will have the adjustments to do.

It will be a good place to leave it for this holiday weekend.



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Mural

I spent four hours on this today. The lines are weather boards so the exercise of painting it was a challenge. It counts as my plein air painting today, as it certainly was painted out doors.

The image is a birds eye view of the valley I live in. Tomorrow I paint the second half, and that will include our place.



"Maitai Valley Mural". Acrylic on weather board. 2m. X 3m aprox.

Commissioned.

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"Mackay's Bluff".

Another funny old day. Started out fine and still, then the faithful old Southerly returned. I was out Boulder Bank Drive and managed to find a sheltered spot behind some trees.

The tide was in so for once the creeks were full. Quite a lot of wild life. Mostly ducks finding a safe haven I suspect.



15141. "Mackay's Bluff". Oil on panel. 8 x10 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Detail Work.

Down at the Marina again today. Cold southerly still blowing, but last night I saw the film "Mr Turner", and remembering how he had himself lashed to a mast to stud a storm, how could I not paint today?

I decided to close in on the worker rather than the boat. I am happy with the result.


15140. "Detail Work". Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Container ship, Port Nelson.

It was a blustery day down at the port. Even the usual fisher folk who dangle their lines off the wharf seemed unsure. Never mind. I found a reasonably sheltered spot and persevered.

As is so often the case, I was thinking that the composition was a little static, and was wondering what to do when this yacht hove into view. Bingo! Problem solved.



15139. "Container Ship, Port Nelson." Oil on panel. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Apples red and green

Autumn continues, and so do the apple still life paintings. In our place here in Nelson, apples really are the last serious crop to come in. We have had figs and feijoas, the last of the blue berries and even the odd strawberry, but it is always impressive just how many apples are still on the trees.

I went for a walk through the orchard early this morning and gathered these red and green apples. Red Delicious and Granny Smith. I think that they may a lovely contrast in the bowl.



15138. "Red and Green Apples". Oil on panel. 8x10 inches. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz.


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Apples.

This is a small still life painted on my deck this afternoon. I love painting autumn fruit, and especially outdoors. These are apples from our own orchard, so there is something special about them for me.





15137. "Apples". Oil on panel. 8x10 in $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Tides

The tide comes in, the tide goes out. An endless rhythm. The sky changes constantly. Front follows front. The wet sands reflect the sky. The winds move the clouds, the sea moves, always changing, ever the same yet never the same.

I have painted from this spot many times, and it is always different, and always challenging. And it is always fun.



15136. "Tides". Oil on panel. 8x10 in.

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Reflections

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday about this time I faced a strong southerly breeze to paint. Today, it is almost a flat calm. I was taken by the reflection of the clouds in the water, and the way the yacht seemed to float above its own reflection.



15135. "Reflections" oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me @

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Kite Surfer. Tahunanui Beach

This was a tough one. Facing into a strong southerly breeze. The winter sun, not setting, but low in the sky. It was lingering behind these torn Turneresque clouds, creating a strange sparkling light on the choppy seas behind the Blind Arm, where the Waimea estuary empties out into Tasman Bay.

It is not what I went there to paint, and normally I avoid wild skies looking into the wind and sun, but what with the kites and all, I had to try.

I think that it works.



15134. "Kite Surfer, Tahunanui". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $150

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Back Beach, Tahunanui.

Yesterday was macrocarpas. Today it is ancient pines. Again I went down to the beach, and found my subject for the day. It was lovely and sunny, with almost no wind.

Plenty of people around, enjoying what may well be one of the last truly pleasant Sunday afternoons before winter finally kicks in. A lot of dog walkers passed me as I painted.

I have noticed that dogs really like plein air painters. They are always curious and friendly. At least,they don't seem to think that my easel is a lamppost substitute, for which I am grateful.



15133. "Back Beach, Tahunanui". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me @

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Macrocarpas

Back in Nelson NZ. It was good to get back to my favourite beach. In so many ways a change in scenery is invigorating. The new experiences in themselves are exciting, but also returning home to find fresh delight in the familiar.

I found these old macrocarpas down at Tahunanui Beach irresistible.



15132. "Macrocarpas". Oil on panel. 8x10 in.

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Ninth Bali painting. Cottages and Banana Palms

I saw these on the way back to my hotel. I was going to paint an historic temple on the coast but too many people. No place to stand. Never mind. It is the last of my Bali paintings. It has been fun. I've really enjoyed the experience. I'm glad that I have had so much previous plein air painting experience before I attempted this. It is as much knowing what not to take as much as what you must. It has worked out ok.

Subjects are everywhere, but the opportunity to set up and paint them depends on local knowledge. I was fortunate to have sympathetic drivers.

Brush cleaning is always a challenge but I managed with soap and "the masters" solid brush cleaner. Did not need turps praise be.



15131 "Cottages and Banana Palms". Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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