Norman’s Rapid

Description

Norman’s Rapid.

For almost 20 years (I think) Norman rode his bicycle into the park in the early morning, with his little fluffy dog in the front basket. He would sit on the same bench, enjoying the morning air. And to everyone who walked past he would say “Top of the morning to you”. He was greatly loved.

One day I plucked up courage and asked Norman if I could paint his portrait. He acquiesced and I took a single cell phone picture of him. Then I got to work. When I was almost done, Norman passed away. It was all very sad. And ever since then I have called this “Normans Rapid”.
The log in the painting was washed out of the bend in the river a few years later. Now when I walk on Strand beach, west of the mouth of Lourens River I look for the stump I have painted so often.

The rocks in the rapid have been remarkably stable over the years, even with some massive floods.

Watercolour on 300gm Arches Hot Pressed
380 x 560 mm