Fake Lighthouse

This is a fake lighthouse. We were driving around the coast and thought that we would like like to turn off and see it again. We've been there before but it was a number of years ago. When we got there it was watching over the stormy boat launch. Since we were there last, a boat club building was also built next to it. But then we remembered, it wasn't exactly on the shore like this and was also on a small hill. It turns out that Google said that the actual one, that is pretty much identical, is another minute drive down a road from where we were. This was a fake replica that looks pretty much the same, in almost the same place as the other one. Since we were already there though, and it was against the dark grey sea, we thought that this one would be at least as interesting to sketch.

Inglewood Signs & Posters

Here's another one from Inglewood. I found a bench out of the sun and noticed all the signs and posters. The top signs were reasonably redundant. The left one was missing a bit in the middle displaying a plywood midriff. Beside that one was a flippy one that displayed different ads, except that it didn't flip or display anything.

WW2 Dodge Command Car

Last weekend, we went to a car show. It was the kind that had all types of clubs showing off their best. By far, our favourites were the ones that were in the shade. This happened to be the New Zealand Military Vehicle Club so there were several trucks and jeeps. (We found out later that some members even have small tanks!) It was quite hot that day and after many minutes at the Sausage Sizzle and the bake sale we decided to sit in the shade. I pulled out my book and sketched this officer's World War 2 deluxe jeep (actually a Dodge). Since it's not as tall and wider than other jeeps of the time it seemed more modern with it's Hummer-like proportions.

 

That Weekend in Kaponga

Over two years ago, I helped put together a catalogue for a "Complete Dispersal" cow sale (A Cattle-Og). When completed, I was invited to the event. It was in a very small town in South Taranaki. Several generations of award-winning breeding came to an end and was to be sold off entirely. It was way busier than expected and was broadcast live to the food barn and the internet for international bidders. 

It was actually quite a big deal and we spent the weekend down there sketching the sale and the town. Instead of posting them online as usual, I put them aside. In 2020, I put them all together and digitally painted (coloured) the cow sale sketches. The final piece was 1x1 metre and was entered into the 'Homework' art show at the New Plymouth museum, Puke Ariki. It was chosen and is still there until the 8th of February. 

After the Covid lockdown in New Zealand, I think that lots of people forgot that they can go out to see art shows and stuff like that again. If you're in New Plymouth over the holiday period, you should check it out.

Fitzroy Beach

 A no-breeze glassy-water morning at Fitzroy Beach. Lots of surfers. 2 hours later, a breeze made it cold, the water was choppy and the surfers were gone.

Palm tree in the rain

In July, I drew our palm tree in the rain. This week, I added some colour to it.

Unloading a Windfarm

A ship in Port Taranaki, New Zealand, unloads parts for a windfarm. I think that the parts were made in Italy but I'm not sure.

Pukekura Park

Drawing and painting the lake in Pukekura Park. I put another layer of pen after the watercolours (that is not shown in the video.)

Coastal Walkway

 

Drawing and painting on the Coastal Walkway in New Plymouth. 

Clock Tower Len Lye

Another drawing of the funhouse-like reflections of the Len Lye Centre's stainless steel walls.

 

Port Taranaki Boat Ramp

I had a sheltered spot out of the winter breeze at Port Taranaki. Exposed people were still launching boats and walking to the end of the breakwater.

Pandemic Hockey

Last weekend, we went to see some amateur inline hockey games at the local rink. The local senior team was hosting a neighbouring city. It was a best two games out of three series. For the first game, I noticed that the home team had two complete line changes on the bench. The visiting game had just one guy extra. That team was doomed. It was only a matter of time before the team got tired and the goalie couldn't handle the barrage of shots anymore.

It was kind of nice to watch a casual league hammer out a few games though.  In a Covid-19 world, it's nice to be able to sit anywhere in the bleachers, among a bunch of random people in a place that vaguely smells like athletes, and still not worry about getting sick.

In the end, they only played two games since they didn't need the third. The Ravens just had way more players. To be fair, it's easier to make up a team if there's no travelling to another city and three of them are brothers*. 

(*Not the Hansons!)