"Water Holding the Sky" Watercolour on six panels of paper, H 61cm x W 137cm
FLOAT Residency
October 2022
FLOAT is a unique artist residency, situated on Lake Tyers in Victoria, Australia. Access to the houseboat studio is by kayak and most of my explorations of the lake were enjoyed from this watery perspective. The residency offers a wonderful space to create work in peace and solitude, amongst an inspiring natural environment. FLOAT operates to strict environmental protocols to ensure the lake and surrounds stay in pristine condition.
My travel studio kit.
Early morning reflections.
Access to the vessel is by Kayak.
Exploring Lake Tyers.
Expanse of water and sky.
A deck with a view to enjoy nature.
I felt completely at home the moment I stepped onto the houseboat. The vessel is nestled close enough to shore to feel secure, yet far enough away to be secluded. The studio is wonderfully set up with expansive views across the lake and the gentle swaying of the houseboat is a delightful reminder that FLOAT is indeed floating!
I got to work straight away and painted many small reference studies of colours of the lake, water patterns, the birds and plant life. I taped nine sheets of watercolour paper together to create a large scaled artwork. A watercolour ground was then painted to suggest the reflections in the water of land and sky that I had observed from the deck of the boat.
Access to the boat by kayak was so thrilling for me as I had never been kayaking before. I discovered that I loved it and took to it like a duck to water. It was such an intimate way to explore the lake and I felt so immersed in the environment this way.
FLOAT is such a unique artist residency and it surpassed all my expectations. I felt so invigorated and inspired being there. What a wonderful opportunity it was and I look forward to returning for a longer stay.
This was my favourite studio work bench at FLOAT because of the view.
My little leather suitcase holds a portable studio for when I am travelling.