Boiling Pot Lookout
A Perfect Australia Day
What an awesome Australia Day spent in Noosa! With the stunning coastal view as my backdrop, I felt a true sense of freedom painting at Noosa’s National Park hiking trail, Boiling Pot Lookout. Not only was the heat on to create something memorable, it was also a scorcher of a day! 35 degrees Celsius (about 95 degrees Fahrenheit) with 40% humidity, the heat brought back nostalgic memories of my days painting in the summer in Loreto, Mexico.
The famous Australian Noosa Main Beach is a major attraction for both locals and tourists, perfect for sunbathing and swimming, while Noosa National Park offers stunning walking trails with breathtaking coastal views. As I painted, I was greeted with smiles and compliments from onlookers, reminding me that my journey so far has been worthwhile. I chuckled to myself, reflecting on how far I’ve come since my days at the painting academy in Florence. Back then, every brushstroke felt like such a struggle, but now I can paint whatever my heart desires. That sense of liberation is one of the most empowering feelings imaginable and something these days as an art teacher is something I aim to pass on.
One plein air technique I would like to share for some of my fellow painters is using a viewfinder. Sometimes when I’m painting a busy scene making an informed decision about placement and scale can be a challenge, so I’ll sometimes use this handy tool! It allows me to isolate specific elements within the scene, helping me focus on what truly matters. By framing the view, I can better analyze the balance, shapes, and colors before I even start painting.
Now that my Sunshine Coast portfolio is growing, I feel a real sense of purpose and direction as an artist. I’m so grateful for the chance to do what I love and I can’t wait to go back to Noosa and paint more of its beautiful beaches and coastal scenes!
Boiling Pot Lookout, Oil on Linen, 18” x 24”
