The Old Cheese Factory

The grounds at The Old Cheese Factory, Berwick, Victoria are looking surprisingly lush despite the recent long spell of extreme hot weather. This cheese factory was part of a farm in the mid 1800s. The old homestead stands next to the cheese factory and part of it now houses a cafe. Surrounding buildings have been added to house venues for art activities and the lovely garden is popular for weddings. 

With Covid restrictions eased it was so nice to be sketching again with friends from Casey Sketchers. The little group has its origins in CaseyU3A (U3A is an organisation which offers activities for seniors). 

A little more paint added at home to the previously unfinished sketch is an improvement.

#Sailorfude pen, watercolour, #Stillman&Birn Beta Sketchbook, 7.5”x 7.5”.

Quick Sketching

 I tend to sketch wherever I am and in January several medical-type appointments gave rise to sketching opportunities. These included a record of our third Covid vaccination! 

With 10 minutes to spare while my spouse had an eye exam, continuous line drawing seemed the way to go! I like the quick, slightly wonky but confident lines this produces. 

I like working small for such quick captures and carry an A6 sketchbook in my handbag all the time. Sketching while waiting for medical appointments is also my way to reduce anxiety. 

#FaberCastellPittPen, #Moleskinesketchbook 3.5”x5.5”.

Garden Journal Summer 2022

Our Agapanthus flower stalks have grown very long this year (I think to ensure they get a lot of sun because the plants behind them are getting taller). They have all flopped over in the extreme heat.

It’s February and (I think) the worst of the summer heat is over but it’s already taken a toll on our edible garden. The birds are eating our tomatoes even before they ripen but the bees are still enjoying the spring onion seed heads.

They say sunflowers are easy to grow but it’s taken me 3 summers to achieve this. They really do need to start off in full sun and the seedlings need to be protected from being eaten. Although I did get them to their full expected height (5’3”), they aren’t particularly robust and didn’t fare well in the recent extreme heat. I’ll leave them for the birds to enjoy before I yank them out.

#Sailorfude pen, watercolour, #Stillman&Birn Beta Sketchbook,8.5" x 5.5".