Escape to the Bay of Islands

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...

Bruce McLaren Trust is on the move

A couple of classics drawn at the new home of the Bruce McLaren Trust. Originally housed in the old McLaren's Garage in the Upland Road shops, Remuera, it can now be found at a purpose build, shiny new pad out at Hampton Downs.

This superb Austin Healey 100/4 on display even got a cameo in the new McLaren movie. I've always been a big fan of Gerry Coker's design. Next I drew this sweet Austin Seven which is the original McLaren's Station shop car. There were all sorts of interesting other cars on display so I'll be back to have a crack at those soon.

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