On Saturday I visited Monsalvat, on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest surviving artists’ colony and still continuing today. It is set on 12 acres with many buildings, where various artists practice their crafts – guitar making, jewellery and art.

I went to Montsalvat to visit my friend, Jodi Wiley’s exhibition which is closing this weekend. Jodi paints amazingly detailed eucalyptus bark on small canvas.

I took a direct train to the end of the line at Eltham and then a quick connecting bus and then a short walk. After an extreme week of weather, Saturday had blue skies and sunshine, just perfect for exploring and wandering a small part of the 12 acres. After viewing Jodi’s art, I stayed three hours, relaxing and sketching in the fresh air and sunshine.

During my visit I used a few different styles of sketching, depending on the time and place.

I quickly sketched the peacock as I was sure he was going to go at any minute. However, he was comfortable with my presence and stayed for ages. I sketched in watercolour pencil and added a little water with my waterbrush.

I scribbled down the colours and shapes of the chickens. They were in a coop and did not stay still for long at all ! I used the waterbrush used to loosen up the sketches. As you can see, they do not have any detail. (a waterbrush is pen shaped, with a brush on one end and the body is a reservoir to fill with water.)

There were also some large geese and ducks that I wanted to draw but decided to move on as there is more to this place than ducks and chickens !

When I sketched the buildings I knew that I did not want to get caught up in their incredible detail. Many are built in a rammed earth style, looking hundreds of years old. It felt surreal as though I was in England, but surrounded by eucalyptus. And the buildings had corrugated iron roofs.

I wanted to sketch only a few buildings on the page. I was happy with the size and time I spent on this (I did not note the time – but it felt right). There were so many buildings that I could have sketched. The features and details are a sketchers and photographers delight. Another visit !

I then caught the train home…