Sweet Home Austinmer

The Outlook oil on panel 2011

As many have known for a while now, I have relocated down the South Coast 1hr from Sydney to the little seaside town of Austinmer. This is a view of the front of the caretaker's cottage where I live with Shaun and Zuza. The horizontal piece of wood sticking off to the left holds a bird feeder where rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos come to feed. The lavender is going crazy and compliments the yellow of the facade nicely.

The Dining Room oil on panel 2011

I painted this view of a buffet that Jennie gave us in our dining room. Notable art objects include ceramics by Hidemi Tokutake and paintings by Maximillian Feuerring. The room on the right is the living room where Mark and I set up some music equipment and have been jamming a bit.

The Living Room oil on linen 2011

The painting on the back wall of the living room is by Margarita Georgiadis, a small painting near the fireplace by Alison Coulthurst. The green couch under the skylight has been painted by many a Sydney artist. The view into the back reveals the dining room, where thanks to Justin we're now in possession of a proper coffee machine.

The Backyard oil on panel 2011

On a brilliant winter day I climbed up the backyard and painted this view of the patio. The Hill's hoist is classic, and I trimmed that umbrella tree myself.

Studio at Night oil on panel 2011

One late night I crawled onto the couch and painted this small interior of my studio. There's no proper light even during the day, but at night it particularly feels like a cave.

Dog Beach, Austi oil on panel 2011

On the Austinmer headland, there are fabulous views both north and south as far as the eye can see. This is what locals call 'little Austi beach', where dogs are free to run and cavort with each other. The Norfolk pines do a great favour in breaking up all of the horizontals.

Looking South, Austi oil on panel 2011

This is a view from the old 'Headlands Hotel' site which has recently closed down, and from which I recovered some wood to burn in my fireplace.