Willow's Morning Light

Chris is a well-known artist, tutor, and judge in the Sunshine Coast art community, with more than 32 years' experience teaching art. 

Chris's acquaintance with the 'black dog' (depression and extreme anxiety) started many years ago, when he became a lone parent of two sons following his marriage breakdown. Luckily, his latent art talent came to the rescue, and Chris discovered that painting (often late into the night) gave him inner peace and control. 

Happily painting in either oil or pastel, Chris has taught in many workshops for art societies around Australia and overseas. In 2004, he was awarded Master Pastelist by the Pastel Society of Australia.

Check out Chris' website. 

A few years ago, autumn found me with other plein air artists in Mudgee, NSW. We were hoping to find some autumn colour to capture on canvas. Luckily, I found this old willow, bowing to both time and weather, almost breaking with its load of foliage and giving us one of its last displays. I just had to capture the moment, as we had too little time to dally. Sadly, passing by years later, the old willow had gone.