Description

Rock Pool in Newlands Forest

Newlands Forest has always held a special place in my heart. Throughout my undergrad years I ran up and down those roads and through the forests. I enjoyed each of the rapids and pools on the streams through the forest. On every run I would stop and swim in the pool just downstream from this one.
In my final years at UCT I lived in digs not far from Kirstenbosch Gardens and each day would walk through the forest to campus.

When I returned from Namibia I tried to capture the stream and rocks below this, in watercolour. I did thirteen versions at the time. And they still did not work. But I satisfied myself that I had learnt other watercolour skills in the process.

Painting this watercolour was an exercise in rocks, water and negative painting. And I am satisfied that I have progressed at least some of the way to getting it right.

Watercolour on 300gm Arches Hot Pressed
610 x 460 mm

Rock Pool in Newlands Forest