Christmas is always low key but was even quieter this year. But I had my pencils and some lovely seasonal festivities to sketch . And lots of phone calls. so it was a lovely day.
I had purchased some delicious deli foods . Then found some holly to add to my table decorations. Some of this stayed on the table to long (to eat) and was thrown out .
I decided to stop at a certain stage, as this is a journal page and not a still life. My sketching style is the unfinished look and this is it.
I spent longer on the pudding and wine. I had planned this as I know it wanted it to be in more details and it was sketched over two evening. Once again I could have spent longer on this and gone into more details, but it a page in my journal to capture a moment.
And then finally – eating the pudding !
I hope that you found some peace and joy this Christmas.
Life beings again for me in Melbourne, as it sadly closes for many people around the world. My world slowly expands and my sketches reflect this.
I took my first tram ride since March. I’ve done it now, but won’t be rushing to do it again. Everyone in masks, but I wouldn’t have felt comfortable with too many more people getting on it.
I continue my walks in the nearby gardens, revisiting the familiar and always discovering something new. A magpie sang to me. The best way to start my day.
A High Tea Christmas party. We each had a box of high tea goodies delivered to us and had a zoom catchup, with a bit off silliness and chatter. I ate the savouries and sketched the sweets.
Yesterday I had a stall a second community event. (read about last weekend’s here) Our wonderful local library held a free BBQ and food as well as inviting a few locals, including myself to set up a stall. Another lovely day, meeting local friends and new people. Much need to bring a sense of normality and community back. I was too busy chatting to sketch.
and back to the Gardens… for sketches and extra adventures
I thought I had this blog post written and went for a walk in the Treasury Gardens. I did not get much sketching (of the Moor Hen) as I was visited by some baby ducklings. About 10 of them, who were not shy at all, walking all over my shoes, sketchbook, and pencils. Enjoy !
Just deciding whether to keep the duck poo footprint on the page.
Each year, residents of East Melbourne and surrounds come together to celebrate our wonderful community with the Robert Russell Hustle Community Laneway Gathering. There was live music, Tipplers pop up bar, Tippler Kitchen, a sausage sizzle, and a Christmas mini market! (Including my stall with cards). Called Robert Russell Hustle as it is held in Robert Russell Lane. see later in the blog for info about who he was.
A BIG day. It was so good and strange to be normal, after almost a year of lockdown.. When I was asked to be involved in this event back in mid November , we were all wearing masks and there was limited social gatherings. I said yes, but was very anxious But now after over a month of no community spreading, life is returning to a semi normal. (number restrictions and QR codes to sign in to places)
The sun was shining, people were chatting and happy and cards sold. There were 10 stalls and we were provided with gazebos and tables and a chair ! A big day from set up at 11am to close at 7pm, but SO GOOD. I had to remember how to put my display stands together and sort out what went where, I have only done a few markets in the past, but had worked out a system of what goes where.
I chatted to some lovely people, friends came by to say hello. I had a sheet for people to add their details to if they were interested in Watercolour Pencil Sketching Classes when I start them again in the new year.
Who was he ? Robert Russell (1808-1900) came to Sydney in 1832, having trained as an architect and surveyor in London and Edinburgh. He obtained a position in the survey office and in 1836 was sent to the Port Phillip District to survey Port Phillip Bay and its surroundings. At this time, he made the first topographical survey of Melbourne. Hoddle then drew up a detailed plan for Melbourne, still relying on the information contained in Russell’s initial survey. Most of his professional life was spent as a surveyor in private practice. He was a prolific artist across many media and his early sketches of Melbourne are a valuable part of the State Library Collection. His professional and private addresses changed many times but in 1880 he lived at 49 George Street and Robert Russell Lane leads off Simpson Street into the back of that property !
