Fly Overs, Drawing and Kinchega

It's been another hectic few days with the weekend still showing no signs of rest for these girls. Saturday I ended up painting for a few hours and Sue did some catch up time with her husband John. Sunday was a great morning with a flight with John in his Piper Dakota and Patrick Neu as guest from BHAE (he is also a professional photographer) Great views over Silverton, the Mundi Mundi Plain, the Barrier Ranges and the Line of Lode that divides Broken Hill with the mullock heap, closed mines and open cut. Patrick's photos look great.
After the flight I spent time with Deirdre Edwards in her studio on a one on one talk about her working studio and gallery. It was valuable to get further insight into her work and the running of her home gallery. By mid afternoon I accompanied Deirdre to the GAARA Arts group monthly meeting and met artists during the meeting then later for an informal chat over coffee.
Monday was spent visiting galleries with Sue - Pro Hart's and Jack Absalom were on our list as well as the Jarah Mosaic Gallery with Julie and Rod as informative and friendly hosts.
The evening was spent with Nelleke, Cora, Nisette and Penny at the Broken Earth Restaurant sitting on top of the Line of Lode overlooking the city at sunset. They were visiting to attend the CWA conference here this week.
Monday afternoon was pack up time ready for an early departure Tuesday morning to Menindee. Sue is staying here to work on sketches and drawings on site while I am away.
What can I say just that there is too much to tell and sometimes words can't say it all. For me it was again another one of those experiences that will be etched in my memory for some time. The Kinchega Woolshed was hauntingly moody with patinas that truly want me back in my own studio right NOW!!!! Inside with the pungent smell of times past there were many niches to explore . Outside the galvanised iron piecework with weathered and worn shades of pink to blue/grey were set off by the blue sky and the fencework of worn timber posts.
The River Road took me by surprise with the picturesque lining of River Red Gums and the winding Darling. The sound of cranky crows, reflective milky water and being at peace by myself painting was magic. it was almost liked the place talked back to me about times past and present. The river level was quite low which meant that the roots of trees were exposed and quite gnarled.
By this morning on my return to the river, the light had changed but the relections in the water were sharper. Figures appeared and some ideas are now brewing. I painted till lunch and then headed back to Broken Hill. So many ideas to play with in my head.
Tomorrow Poppy and Jen arrive and the experience will continue for them in their way. Running out of time now and feeling like I am only just getting started.........................