Misty Trees in Branford Park

Today it was raining when I arrived at Branford Park. It started out heavy, then eased to drizzle. I was quite taken with this clump of sodden trees. I liked the depth and the tangle, but there was also structure. Some light from distant fields could be seen, and they seemed much brighter than they actually were.
I never think of these paintings as necessarily finished works of art. Rather they present an opportunity to study interesting challenges. Sort if impressionist sketches in real time.

I think that this one works in a moody sort of way.

Wouldn't it be great if we had sublime subjects such as the Archway Rocks everyday? The simple fact is that we don't and can't, but we can prepare ourselves for those special moments by making the best of what is available.

At least, that is what I keep telling myself while I'm standing painting en plein air in the rain...



15032. "Misty Ress in Branford Park". 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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Archway Rocks. Wharariki

This is a very special place. "Chicken Soup for the Soul". Whenever I paint here I feel immensely privileged. Both to have the opportunity, and over the years to have painfully acquired the skills to do it justice.
I think that this is my best version yet. (All that practice is paying off Jen!)
I was lucky with the weather and tide too. When I arrived it was high tide and overcast. As I painted the tide dropped, giving these magic reflections in the wet sand. Then the sun came out and my day was complete. A passing seagull or two. Gentle swell breaking along the base of these mighty rocks...
Paradise for a plein air painter.



15031. "Archway Rocks, Wharariki". Oil on panel. $100

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

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz



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Daisies and Bugloss

Now I'm in Golden Bay. Not good signal. Painted this today before leaving.
Daisies and Bugloss by a pool in the valley.
I'm just a bit uneasy about this one..the light changed on me. Clouded over. Never mind. Another day tomorrow. I'm going to try for the Archway Rocks.


15030. "Daisies and Bugloss" 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:Collingwood-Puponga Main Road,Pakawau,New Zealand

Vipers Bugloss. In the Maitai.

This has been the most amazing summer for wild flowers. Presently this beautiful prickly plant, "Vipers Bugloss" is rampant in the valley. I found this meadow just across the river from where we live. I have often meant to paint the wild flowers in the past, but in previous years by the time I got around to it they had disappeared. Not so this year, when I'm out painting every day!



15029. "Vipers Bugloss" oil on panel. 9x12 in. $200.

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

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz



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Anzac Memorial

I painted this today in the Anzac park. Loved the geraniums. Included the seagull.


15028. "Anzac Memorial" 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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Cruise ship, Port Nelson

This was the subject I was on my way to paint yesterday, but was sidetracked at Sublime Coffee. How our intemperate appetites lead us astray. Sigh.

Fortunately this huge vessel was still there today, but painting it only reinforced the feeling that I need to paint more ships, more often, and on a larger scale.
I will return tomorrow (if it is still here) and paint a larger version.
One gets accustomed to certain familiar subjects, and it is always tempting to take the easy road, the low road. A wonderful challenge like this is to be celebrated.
As you have probably guessed, I enjoyed my afternoon at the port. I need to paint there more often if I'm to develop an easy competence in painting ships, both large and small.



15027. "Cruise Ship, Port Nelson". 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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