Tag: Camden NSW

Art After Dark

Featured 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”

Featured 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

Featured 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

Ghostly Gum

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

Afternoon Delight

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

A Favourite Spot!

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

A favourite spot I (we) like to go to relax is only about 8 minutes drive from where we live. The Nepean River wanders through the Camden District (N.S.W. Australia) and it is at its widest going through Camden.

There exists a lot there to please people and caters for a diverse amount of interests. You can:

  • Have a leisurely walk on man-made paths or go off-track
  • Kayak/Canoe up and down the river
  • Go for a quick dip (no sand on the bank, though)
  • Ride your bike along a designated Bike track
  • Sit by the river with a book
  • Sketch, Paint, Photograph
  • Play ball games with your friends and family
  • Exercise in a number of ways
  • Take your children to the permanent Play equipment or kick a ball
  • Just relax

We use it to go and relax, go for a walk and other things. I’ve been down there to sit and read, walk, sketch, paint or just sit and relax. When Susan comes with me she will either take a book or Crotchet.

Our most recent visit was just to sit and relax on one of the benches by the river. We were joined by i/2 dozen Lizards, a few Ducks and cooling breeze on a hot day for an hour or so. We are certainly blessed to have such a place so near to us.

Till next time!

Written by David johnson

16 February 2022

Awareness

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on Earth filled with glory.”
Betty Smith – A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

Handrail Design
Photo by David Johnson

Take the time to walk around your local area.

Photographing in the early morning or late afternoon can often reveal very interesting things. There are shapes, textures, lines and forms that reveal themselves to you if you remain aware…

Objects that we humans pass by every day not giving them a second glance, hold beauty, hold interest and stories. Human stories.

The shapes and forms are often made by humans to serve a purpose, a function and they do this effectively. I have attached one such image that I discovered.

By isolating it from its greater surroundings, but including those in close proximity an art form is created. This is a handrail at McDonalds in Camden NSW. Often used. Seldom appreciated.

If you haven’t done it lately, take a walk with a camera through your local area. I have no doubt that you’ll be surprised at what you find!

David Johnson
October 2016