The latest addition to the traveling canvas are the three young trees (in the top left hand corner).  This is where Matt Cooper likes to relax and read or meditate.  Although there are lots of old shade trees in the park, Matt believes these young trees release a positive energy.

traveling canvas 2 showing sapling trees  in Minnawarra Park

The portrait panels are coming along with most of the windows having a canvas in. The next canvas will mean the each window has some portraits underway, I can them go back and start to add more to them as the project continues to develop.

Steve and Orla

While painting in Minnawarra park I met Steve and Orla – they were walking their dog.  They commented on how lovely the park was then Steve pointed across the lake towards History House Museum saying it was an important place for the Armadale area. He feels it was important to show the history of Armadale and how it was established.  He particularly liked the machinery and tools as they were the means that made it possible.  Orla is a keen badminton player and goes to Gwynne Park on a regular basis, she believes Gwynne Park needs to be refurbished as it is a popular sports venue but has been allowed to run down over the years.

I took a walk around Minnawarra Park before starting work for the day, I needed time to reflect, to look back on the work done to date and to plan for the coming months.  The rest of the day was spent in the studio preparing for the work ahead.

Minnawarra Park

Andrew and Dave believe Armadale is a great place to live and think it deserves respect.  One of their favorite places is Minnawarra Park.  It is very relaxing looking over the water, listening to the birds.

Minnawarra Park

traveling canvas 1 – update

It was a great day yesterday at the library. The weather was lovely and brought out lots of people to enjoy the sunshine, some of them came over for a chat. I was able to collect a few stories which will be reflected in later blogs.

Dave and Andrew

Armadale Library, entrance

Margaret-Ann has lived in Armadale for 8 years. Although she has always believed the area has an underlying quality, she has also been aware of its shortcomings. The pedestrianisation of Jull Street, improvements in amenities and the prospect of more cultural activities has given her great hope for the future. She told me one of her greatest pleasures was walking around Minnawarra and Memorial Parks. When I arrived at Memorial Park, it was easy to see why. The war memorial sits at the forefront of the park, (its obelisk is said to be the oldest in Australia).  The memorial trees that were planted out in 1921 to honour the fallen are now providing a place of peace for the living. People of all ages are milling around, the little ones playing in the park while mothers and grandparents gather and chat. There is a constant flow of people, some walking through with a great sense of purpose, some meander on their way to other places, while others still take the opportunity to sit and rest a while.

Memorial Park

traveling canvas 2

The Manse was built in 1907 by the Armadale Congregational Church as a pastor’s house (or manse). This remains in its original site and is now used as a restaurant.

The Manse Restaurant
13 Church Avenue, Armadale

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