Occasionally Auckland Sketchbook escapes the city to somewhere interesting — and close. This time the sketchbook got a workout in The Bay of Islands . Only 3.5 hours by car and a world away from work. The sketch above was made in down-town Paihia, it doesn't look it, but it is literally behind the main street. The view is the back of an old homestead called Williams House . I was attracted by the orchard of very old fig trees on the left that had me imagining eating juicy ripe figs. Sadly they weren't in season but it must be a fun place at harvest time. Right over the other side of the bay you will find his falling down old house on Matauwhi Bay. For a while there the water had a turquoise glow until the sun went into hiding. This is Pompallier House and Clendon Cottage in Russell sketched with my back to the sea. I may have used a little too much artistic licence in moving them close enough together to fit on my page so don't look too closely. Anyway, I have sketched Po...
One of the highlights for year 5 Ponsonby Primary students is an overnight stay at the Orakei Marae across town.
It isn't often that the opportunity comes up to stay in any marae let alone one with such a hard fought history, so I gladly agreed to help out with my daughters class (and with any luck squeeze a few sketches in).
There weren't that many opportunities to be honest, between the traditional powhiri, hearding children, enjoying their singing, skits on Maori myths, helping with meals, activities, clean-up and of course chaotic communal sleeping with over 85 students and parent helpers!
Here are a few quick sketches. The Whare Tupuna...
Detail of the gable end (left), Tekoteko/figurehead at top of gable (right)...
Almost lights out, actually the kids were pretty well behaved, and lay in the dark quietly listening to a hilarious story read by headmistress Anne Malcolm...
I think all of the children really enjoyed themselves and learned a huge amount (I'm always astounded by how much they take on and do really well anyway). I honestly feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the marae up close too.
It isn't often that the opportunity comes up to stay in any marae let alone one with such a hard fought history, so I gladly agreed to help out with my daughters class (and with any luck squeeze a few sketches in).
There weren't that many opportunities to be honest, between the traditional powhiri, hearding children, enjoying their singing, skits on Maori myths, helping with meals, activities, clean-up and of course chaotic communal sleeping with over 85 students and parent helpers!
Here are a few quick sketches. The Whare Tupuna...
Detail of the gable end (left), Tekoteko/figurehead at top of gable (right)...
Almost lights out, actually the kids were pretty well behaved, and lay in the dark quietly listening to a hilarious story read by headmistress Anne Malcolm...
I think all of the children really enjoyed themselves and learned a huge amount (I'm always astounded by how much they take on and do really well anyway). I honestly feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the marae up close too.
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