Maitai Creek, after the storm

What a difference sunlight and another day makes. The Maitai River is still turgid from yesterday's downpour, but this little creek sparkled in the sun. Even the wild flowers survived the wind and rain, and stand as lovely as ever. I notice that my work is opening up since I moved back to brushing, and I have rediscovered the joy of the rigger, a small long haired brush, for branches, twigs, (and the rigging of ships). Must be careful not to overdo it. Thanks Tony.



Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100 15001

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

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Location:Maitai,New Zealand

The Year Ahead

Ok. Now it begins in earnest. Some time ago I decided to attempt a plein air painting a day. That is, apart from any other painting I might be doing in my studio.

I wasn't really sure that I could manage it, so for the past couple of months I've been giving it a test run. 52 posts later I'm sure that I can do it, regardless of difficult weather, occasional travel, and life's little vicissitudes.

The year's challenge begins today, with painting no. 15001

It should be an interesting year. You are welcome along for the ride.





Photo taken in Wanganui by Carol Whitlock.


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Summer Green

Once again, down by the Maitai River, but this time looking at the old track running beside it. Somehow in the painting it the greens softened and warmed. I don't think that this is a problem as a more acid edgy green would not convey the mood of the moment.



Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any 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

Pohutukawa by the Maitai River.

Downtown Nelson, painting by the riverside walkway. A delightful place, and certainly busy. I had more people pass and look at the odd man doing odd things with brush and paint than I have been accustomed too.

"Look mum, at the funny man."

Well, that actually did not happen. People were very courteous and generally kept their distance unless I grinned at them and invited their perusal. Again, their comments were generally favourable.

Over the past few months I have become used to painting alone. But this is summer, and there are many more people about. I think that it is time to harden up and take my easel into the city proper, and paint the cafe scene.




Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

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

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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Sunday Trawler

Everything goes very quiet in the marina on Sunday afternoon. The boaties are all out, and the workers are all home. Quite a good time to paint. I usually find a nice sheltered corner and settle in for the day. I really liked the stark working boom of the trawler against the delicate rig of the sail boats, both contrasted against the sky.
Would the rain come before my painting was finished? I wondered about that for a while but as usual became so engrossed in my work that I forgot all about it. In the event the promised showers missed us, and the painting is now safely in its box.


Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at
rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz

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Maitai Swimming Hole II

I revisited the old swimming hole, but this time wearing jeans and boots. Such comfort! I wanted to pay more attention to the rocky edge to the pool. Now that I look at the two paintings side by side, they are really two different compositions. This time there was a young lady walking her dog, who came past at precisely the right moment to complete the ensemble. I find that a figure can give a nice sense of place and scale.


Oil on panel. 6x8 in. $100

Any painting from my blog may be purchased by emailing me at
rosswhitlock@imspire.net.nz

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Maitai Swimming Hole

Just up the river from where we live. About a mile below the dam. A lovely spot. Not as finished as I would have liked but silly me, I was wearing shorts and sandals and the sand flies discovered me. After a couple of hours I had enough and retreated to my truck. Sand flies one, Ross nil. Never mind. I think that I captured the water ok. I'll come back another day and paint it again.



Oil on panel. 8x10 in.

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