Kuretake – Communicating Creatively

Devil’s Marbles

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Back in 1986, I went on a Con-Tiki tour of the Northern Territory in Australia. Whilst I have quite a few photos from that location (we stayed overnight there), and the trip itself, I have never got around to attempting a painting on any of the subjects I saw on that trip.

The Devil’s Marbles are a loose formation of mainly rounded boulders, plus some other shapes that are anywhere from 50cm (19.6 inches) to 6 metres (19.6 feet) in diameter.

The painting below has a mixture of them. I’m sure I’ll do more of the Devil’s Marbles, and other locations from that trip.

Baohong Aquarelle 100% Pure Cotton Rough Watercolour paper
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolour pans
Daniel Smith Watercolours
Aquawash brushes
Neef brushes
Size 18 x 26cm (7 x 10 inches)

Till next time!

Written & Painted by David Johnson

8 February 2026

Here is a link to find out more information if you would like visit it.

https://northernterritory.com/tennant-creek-and-barkly-region/destinations/karlu-karlu–devils-marbles-conservation-reserve

Towards Another Dimension

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Whilst I am enjoying painting standard subjects like seascapes, landscapes, building etc, I like to break out every now and then and do something ‘a little bit way out.’ I do love a good Sci-Fi or Fantasy book or film.

This is where I think the inspiration for, ‘Towards Another Dimension’ came.

Baohong Aquarelle 100% Pure Cotton Rough Watercolour paper
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolour pans
Sumikondo Japanese Ink Pigments
Masking Fluid pen
Aquawash brushes
Size 18 x 26cm (7 x 10 inches)

Till next time!

Written & Painted by David Johnson

8 February 2026

A Trip To The City

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

In the last days before New Year, my Wife and I went into the City as we had booked a Show at the Sydney Opera House that night. We thought we would make a day of it, and so booked the 6 Head waterfront restaurant at The Rocks.

We drove in and parked at The Sydney Opera House ($40.00 all-day parking), which is a pretty good rate and then set off to The Rocks to have breakfast and then wander around the shops and galleries before arriving at the restaurant.

After the restaurant, and after stopping for a quick photo opportunity outside, when caught the train and headed South, back down the City to spend some gift vouchers we received as Christmas presents.

I went to Eckersleys Art & Craft store and Susan went across the rock to the Yarn shop.

At Eckersley’s I purchased an Arches Travel Sketchbook & a set of Kuretake Gansai Tambi Art Nouveau Watercolours.

From there it was off to Dymocks bookstore where I purchased a book, and it’s companion volume. These days, when looking for Art-related books, I really want something different. I don’t want to buy books that replicate in some way, information that I already have. So far, I am very impressed with my purchase.

From there, we went over to The Sydney Opera House to view the Show, ‘Now You See Me’ – The Four Horseman which have been inspired by the movies about four Illusionists/Magicians.

The Show was very entertaining and under the direction of the performers the ausdience en masse got perform their own magic trick.

It was a wonderful day out and as you can see from the photos, we were well blessed with the weather.

Till next time!

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

3 January 2026

“Glacier” – 6 Years, 125 Days of a Watercolour Sketch a Day!

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Uncategorized

It has been another very hectic month for many reasons. I am fortunate to have started this daily Art practice a few years ago. Without this practice I think I would have been using the old excuse, “that I didn’t have time” a lot!

Here is today’s sketch.

Materials:

Aquarelle Watercolour sketchbook 300gsm Cold Press
Sumikondo Japanese Watercolours (Blue-Black)
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolours (Indigo)
Aquawash & Neef brushes

I had a lot of fun doing this one!

Till next time!

Written & painted by David Johnson

31 May 2025

Story To Be Written

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Haiku Poetry

An Emotional Connection – My 7th Watercolour Painting Sold!

13/04/202513/04/2025 by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Yesterday, my Wife Susan and I attended Red Point Artists Makers Market (formerly known as Red Point Artists Art & Craft on the Grass), at the Red Point precinct in Port Kembla, (south of Wollongong) on the New South Wales coast.

It was a little bit different yesterday though as we formed part of the Annual Port Kembla Festival which included street stalls and live music up and down Wentworth Street, the main street in Port Kembla.

One of the highlights of the day was that I sold my 7th Watercolour painting, “Distant Mountains”, which appears below.

Materials:

Baohong The Master’s Choice Artist Watercolour paper, rough, 300gsm 18cm x 26cm.
Sumikondo Japonesque Watercolours
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolours
Aquawash brushes

The lady who purchased it said it reminded her of where she grew up. Interestingly, the image/composition came from my imagination.

We never will truly know who will be interested in our creations. Just keep painting, sketching, and be confident enough to display your Art. Someone, somewhere may just have an emotional connection to your Art.

Till next time!

Written & Painted by David Johnson

13 April 2025

Fun With Kuretake Gansi Tambi Japanese Watercolours!

06/04/2025 by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

I must say that I am really enjoying using these Watercolours. Brilliant colours and a lovely texture are two of the positives so far. Using 300gsm 100% Cotton paper, either Cold Press or Rough texture.

Here are some examples from my Watercolour Sketch a Day practice.