Tag: Camden NSW

Things That Attract My Eye – Part 27

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Well, it’s so great to post again. Things have been really busy over the past few weeks.

The following selection of images were taken on a 4.5 km / 2.8 mile walk this past week.

Till next time!

Written & photographed by David Johnson

7 December 2025

Natural History Illustration Workshop

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the above workshop. It was held at the Alan Baker Gallery in Camden, NSW, which is about a 20-minute drive East of where we live.

The workshop was facilitated by talented local Natural History Illustrator Esther Bolz. It focused on capturing the flora and fauna of the Nepean River, celebrating World Rivers Day.

We were asked to choose from a selection of flora or pick out an animal from an image, and draw from that. I chose flora, namely, “Australian Indigo”, as seen below.

Chose to paint it in Watercolour. Quite happy with it.

Till next time!

Written & painted by David Johnson

6 October 2025

Artists In Action

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of being part of ‘Artists In Action’ again.

My first appearance at this event, last year was so enjoyable I thought I would do it again this year.

Some 30 or so local Artist’s, some professional, some semi-professional, and some enthusiasts, all combined to showcase their art and craft at the Camden Civic Centre in Camden, some 60km (37m) south-west of Sydney, Australia.

It was such a fun event again. People of all ages came in to view our art and craft. There demonstrations and workshops, and people could enjoy having a go at creating art.

At my table, I had some my art on display and in between talking to people, I went about doing a couple of watercolour sketches, including my, ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day’ that has been going for over 5 years now.

As I did last year, I encouraged people who

  • ‘had always wanted to try sketching and/or painting’ but hadn’t,
  • ‘those that had been doing it but had stopped’, or
  • those who think that they don’t have time’ to go ahead and try it/take it up again, as it offers:
    • some great mental health benefits
    • it’s fun and relaxing

All-in-all a fun day! Looking forward to next year’s event.

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

31 March 2024

Gentle Rays Fall

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

Stillness Of The Morn

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

Cultural Fusion

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

Last night, my Wife, Susan and I decided to attend ‘Cultural Fusion’ which is an event put on by the local Council. It features Art and Craft stalls, Art for sale and local musicians.

Visitor numbers seemed a bit down however, this could have been caused by the fact it was the Thursday before the Long Weekend here in New South Wales. I’m sure visitor numbers will pick up closer to Christmas.

We found it delightful and had fun catching up with some of the Artists I know personally and it was great to make new connections.

It is on every month for the next five months and there is a chance for me to have a table or put some of my Art up for sale so I’ll certainly be investigating those. 🙂

Below are a few images from the event.

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

29 September 2023

Late Afternoon Walk

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Last Sunday, late in the afternoon I had just finished off an A4 Watercolour when I looked out the window and saw the beautiful Spring light. It was too much of a temptation and I knew I had to get out there and go for a walk.

I finished up walking 3.3 km (2 miles) down at the Camden Bike Track which runs along a major river in the Sydney Basin. The track is about two minutes walk from where live which is great.

Here are some images I shot on my walk with a phone camera. Such a relaxing walk to cap off my Sunday.

Written by David Johnson

26 September 2023

Art After Dark

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

Last night, I attended ‘Art After Dark’ at a local, small Art Gallery, called ‘The Alan Baker Gallery’ in Camden, N.S.S. Australia. It’s about 3 minutes drive from where i live.

This was the third (and last for now) such event held there. I couldn’t attend the first one due to illness, and the second due to a prior engagement so I was pleased to be able to attend last night.

It was an intimate gathering, featuring a local musician Ria Brcic who provided a beautiful voice accompanied by an Acoustic Guitar in the background, whilst Artists’ demonstrations like live portrait painting carried on through the night.

There were also local Artists on display such as, Verena Heirich with her exquisite wearable art and Natalie with her ‘Creations Couture, both of which added a special flavour to the event.

The event ran from 6pm – 8pm and I enjoyed it immensely. Apart from seeing the creations of local Artists, it was a great chance to mingle, chat and share artistic experiences.

Looking forward to the next local Art event!

Written by David Johnson

29 April 2023

https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/community/support/cultural-development-and-arts/alan-baker-art-gallery-at-macaria/

“Artist’s In Action”

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Stories From Life

Last Sunday, I was one of 30 ‘Creative’s’ that assembled down at the Camden Civic Centre to display our creativity. All manner of arts and crafts were on display.

There were:

  • Painters
  • Sketchers/Drawers
  • Mixed Media
  • Photographers
  • Japanese Martial Arts
  • Floral creations
  • Chinese Brushwork
  • Charcoal
  • Pastel
  • Bonzai
  • Ballerinas
  • Couture
  • Live Demonstrations
  • Talks
  • Kids Competition
  • and more!

Ho Yee Wong (Jo), the President of the Macarthur Art Group (of which I am a member), asked me if I would promote my ‘Everyday Art Practice’ aka my ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day’? I said I would be glad to.

We were there for 8 hours (and open to the public for 6), and I completed a couple of Watercolour Sketches whilst chatting to interested onlookers.

I asked them whether they practised any form of art and/or craft and often, they would say that ‘they didn’t have time’, or ‘they were not talented enoough.’

Wanting to help them, I advised them that I wasn’t very good drawing as a child, or even up until into my 50’s( all true), however, it is a skill that can be learnt. As far as ‘time’ goes, most people have a certain amount of time that is wasted during our days.

We stand in queue’s or sit at the Mall eating lunch or having a cuppa. There are miniature sketchbooks available and you only need one pen. Instead of pulling out your mobile phone, use your sketchbook. You don’t even have to show it to anybody, it can just be your personal hobby.

The simple of act of sketching takes your mind off other things. It can be the ‘mental break’ that you need when you are trying to solve a problem, when you are stressed out or when you are bored.

You have time…

You can learn skills…

What are you waiting for?

Pick up that pen and sketchbook today! 🙂

Written by David Johnson

25 March 2023

Things That Attract My Eye – 4

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Welcome to my 4th post on – “Things That Attract My Eye.”

We are certainly blessed where we currently live, up high but only a couple of minutes walk from the Nepean River in Camden NSW.

Relatively close to the river (and closer in parts than others), there is a two-way concrete bicycle path that is shared by cyclists, walkers and joggers.

It is along this path that I have taken the following iPhone images.

I hope you enjoy them!

Written by David Johnson

24 February 2023