Paddlesteamer 'Rodney'
Australian How To Paint|Issue 27

This painting was a commission the artist received during an eight weekpainting trip along the Murray River to Coober Pedy encompassing theMurrumbidgee River and a side trip from the junction of the Murray andDarling Rivers to Pooncarie (on the Darling) in western New South Wales.

Graham W. Smith
Paddlesteamer 'Rodney'

The subject is the Paddle steamer ‘Rodney’ which rests on the bottom of the Darling River on the property of the homestead ‘Polia’, around 30 kilometres north-west of the ‘Port of Pooncaria’. In 1894, the ‘Rodney’ was bringing non-union shearers upriver to ‘Tolarno’ (a property 70 kilometres upstream of Pooncarie), when it was intercepted by striking shearers who burned it to the waterline.

All that remains is the keelson, stringers and ribs protruding skywards like a gaunt skeleton that has been almost fossilised.

The client downloaded an A4 image from his computer. After I outlined my approach, size and quotation, the client not only paid a deposit, but also purchased two of my plein air paintings (the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers at Went worth, and a Murray River Gum). The painting was to be completed within three weeks of my return to Brisbane in early May 2010.

Due to the recent heavy rain, the road was closed … so I couldn’t do an on-site painting (which I would have preferred to do, prior to doing the commission).

STEP ONE

The outline was drafted up in pencil on 12 ounce poly cotton canvas that had been primed with two coats of Atelier Gesso Primer.

STEP TWO

Esta historia es de la edición Issue 27 de Australian How To Paint.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Issue 27 de Australian How To Paint.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUSTRALIAN HOW TO PAINTVer todo
Paints And Mediums
Australian How To Paint

Paints And Mediums

Here’s a summary of some of the fabulous products that are now available in Australia, with plenty of hints and tips.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
Issue 34
Ellen Lee Osterfield: The Singing Artist
Australian How To Paint

Ellen Lee Osterfield: The Singing Artist

This multi-talented Australian lady has nurtured her love for art and music by travelling all over our magnificent country while promoting her creative work.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Issue 34
I Love Drawing
Australian How To Paint

I Love Drawing

In Derek’s own words: “Drawing gives you freedom to roam. A pencil and pad is all you need, and you can lean against a wall, in a pub, on a train, you can always draw.”

time-read
3 minutos  |
Issue 34
Ludij Peden: Queen Of The Rusty Iron
Australian How To Paint

Ludij Peden: Queen Of The Rusty Iron

Born in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and raised in Cairns in Far North Queensland, Ludij Peden has seen her share of contrasts during her life’s journey.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Issue 34
It's MY Turn
Australian How To Paint

It's MY Turn

Being a teacher, mother, business woman and active community member wasn’t enough for this artist, who decided that she also needed to follow her artistic ambitions.

time-read
4 minutos  |
Issue 34
Thistle Patch – Freemans Reach
Australian How To Paint

Thistle Patch – Freemans Reach

The reference photograph for this painting was selected because the artist really liked the light, the old sheds, and the interesting foreground with the thistles and weeds.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Issue 34
Drawn into Art
Australian How To Paint

Drawn into Art

Not many people can claim that Woody Woodpecker inspired them into the world of art!

time-read
5 minutos  |
Issue 34
Sketching And Painting In Paradise
Australian How To Paint

Sketching And Painting In Paradise

Paradise conjures up clear azure skies, white fluffy clouds bouncing along on a warm tropical breeze, swaying palm trees on white sandy beaches, and a serene and relaxing ambience.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 32
The Vase of Flowers
Australian How To Paint

The Vase of Flowers

The roses are beautifully brought to life in this painting.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Issue 32
My Creative Nature
Australian How To Paint

My Creative Nature

An online ‘love affair’ with coloured pencil artworks was just the beginning. After developing a website to meet with similar minded people, this artist is now in the final stages of launching her first online coloured pencil classes.

time-read
5 minutos  |
Issue 32