National Art School HSC Intensive - Clara's Paintings

Clara was selected for the National Art School's HSC (Higher School Certificate) Instensive class in Painting.  Year 11 students from around NSW applied for the opportunity to participate.

Cell Block Theatre Sign

You can see the circular stairs and bars in
sandstone and bars on the windows of
Cell Block Theatre

Clara's Horse painting was displayed in the Cell Block Theatre.  This theatre has an interesting history.  The restoration project was officially announced in 1955 by Katharine Hepburn.

Originally built in 1836 as a prison block for female inmates, The theatre is a reminder of Sydney's dubious origins as a place for convicts to serve their terms.  The original sandstone walls and bars on windows remain.

Clara's "translation" of Anna Vinogradova painting

The National Art School (University) in Sydney.  Clara had to travel with Dave to the train station in the morning (6:45 am departure time) and returned home about about 6:45 pm - so a full 12 hour day.

The class ran over 9 days - 4 consecutive days in the school holidays after Term 2 and 5 consecutive days in the school holidays after Term 3.  Clara just completed the course.  In 9 days, she "transcribed" 5 paintings.  She seemed to enjoy Anna Vinogradova's paintings.  She learned a lot.

On Friday, there was a public Open House with the art from each Year 11 participant on display.  I took Tristan, Zoe and Neo to the Open House.

Clara's "translation" of Anna Vinogradova painting

Spring Wildflowers on Daleys Point Fire Trail

Sign at the beginning of the Daleys Point Fire Trail

 It's the school holidays here in New South Wales.  The weather has been warm and sunny, perfect for bush walking.  I've been wanting to walk the Daleys Point Fire Trail for some time.  The Parks Department has been upgrading the car park, sparking more interest on my part.  Finally walked it this week, and it was beautiful and enjoyable.  The walk ends with views over the Brisbane Water. Here you'll find some of the Spring Wildflowers we encountered and a few views.  Enjoy!

Wildflowers on the Daleys Point Fire Trail

Brothers on the Daleys Point Fire Trail Walk

White Flannel Flowers.  These flowers are very soft and velvety.

View of Brisbane Water from The Daleys Fire Trail

Another view of Brisbane Water from Fire Trail

Small cave in the rock formation

Tristan thought this was a blood tree....
I don't think that's correct, but the sap is amazing

Google Trekker

Google Trekker (photo from Google Trekker webpage)

Google is continuing to map the world - now in hard to reach places.  The Google Trekker will be carried by NSW Parks and Wildlife staff in Bouddi National Park.  The street view camera system captures 360 degree views of some amazing walks and landscapes.

Coastal Walk in Bouddi National Park, NSW

The Coastal Walk in Bouddi National Park will be mapped.  The World Heritage listed Old Great North Road will be mapped with the trekker as well.
Read the full article from the Express Advocate, Wednesday 10 September 2014.  School Holidays are just around the corner (next week).  Since it's spring, I think I'll take the kids for one or both of these walks - and add some more photos for a sneak peak of what the Google Trekker will display.

The Old Great North Walk trail sign

Wet & Wild August; End of Soccer

This August has been extremely wet and cold.  Meterologists confirmed Sydney had it's wettest and cloudiest August since 1998.  The last 30 days have been the wettest in a long time.  Usually winter is dry and sunny, so this weather is extreme.

The ocean has been very rough and stormy, making for dramatic views.   On the day I took these photos, Dave and I were on our walk on the beach in the sun.  The rain clouds moved inland and we were drenched before we arrived home.

Rain falling over the ocean 

Dramatic rain clouds over rough sea

Blue skies with cloud cover overhead

Because of the big storms, the tidal lines along the beach have been especially heavy with washed up sea life, including these bluebottle (Portuguese Man of War) jellyfish.  

Neo's team with Coach at Soccer Gala day

 Zoe and Neo's soccer season ran for several months prior to this streak of wet weather.  Fortunately, they were able to complete most of their games.  Zoe's team did remarkably well this season - they made it into the Grand Final.  It was an exciting season.

Zoe played goalie in one of the final games of the season (a first for her)

Zoe's soccer team took 2nd place in the Grand Finals for U11s