With the school holidays over and the weather starting to cool down, it seemed like a good idea to take a couple of weeks exploring all the little beaches and coastal villages to the south of us.

We left home with clear skies and blazing sun, but my wish was for threatening clouds and dramatic light along the beaches – I guess you can’t have everything.

Perfect camping spot on a sunny headland with kangaroos and sea eagles at Diggers Camp.

Sunrise on Redcliff Beach

Cool, clear mornings and deserted beaches

After a few days zigzagging in and out of all the southern beaches, rainclouds started moving up the coast and the swell picked up.

Looking towards Solitary Island under threatening skies. Great for photographs – not so good for painting watercolor.

Painted in haste with a cup of sea water between showers as the tide came in.

Back home in the studio, shuffling around ideas for a large wet and rainy painting.