Rosalind in Blue Jumper

Rosalind kindly offered to spend the afternoon painting with me, and we had a lovely time together at Heide Museum of Modern Art. She had thoughtfully coordinated her blue jumper with her glasses and gloves, a small detail that made her look wonderfully put‑together.

We took turns drawing and painting each other. Rosalind worked in pencil while I painted in watercolour. Lately, I have started painting my watercolours freehand without sketching in pencil first. This has given me a wonderful sense of freedom.

When you are sitting still, your ears perk up and you notice everything around you. At one point, someone in the garden said something about sticking something into someone’s bum. Rosalind and I just looked at each other and giggled at the absurdity of what people say in public.

As usual, Melbourne’s fine sunny weather turned out to be a false promise. I did not quite capture Rosalind’s likeness by the end of the day, but she captured me well. And I spent more time working on the painting after I got home.