Share to XWe just returned from a family trip to K’gari Island (formerly Fraser Island). I didn’t get any painting done unfortunately. I was too busy fishing and doing activities with the kids. But I did take a few reference photos to paint from, which I’ll share at the end.
K’gari is a unique island in that it’s almost entirely made up of sand. In fact, it’s the largest sand island in the world.
We did a guided bus tour around the island and along the surf beach (known as 75 Mile Beach). “Big Sturdy Bus” the kids called it. The beach was lined with these remarkable sand formations created by erosion from the ocean and the many freshwater creeks exiting from within. They almost appeared as mini-cities.
These formations struck me as the perfect example of nature’s patterns. The sand’s jagged edges and the piercing direct sunlight created distinct light and dark patterns, each unique and slowly changing with the light. You can see what I mean below. Pay particular attention to the areas in shadow. Notice how the form shadows, the cast shadows, and all the details within melt together to form simple shapes. The light areas are a bit scattered, but you get the idea. This simplification of small shapes and details into large, simple shapes is what creates the interesting patterns.
Here are a few other examples:
It’s a good reminder that we don’t need to artificially create patterns in our work. We can simply capture what nature has already created for us. But to do so, we must be able to observe these patterns around us. It’s easier said than done! They have a way of floating under our radar. As if they are so seamlessly integrated that they become invisible to the untrained eye. But once you start to notice these patterns, you’ll see them everywhere.
I’ll leave you with this quote by Richard Schmidt:
“You have heard this before, but it is true. Look to the compositions in Nature! She is an infinite source of design. Like a perfect lover, she never disappoints, never grows ugly, and never fails to reveal herself in fascinating new ways. Just be faithful to her.” Richard Schmid, Alla Prima II, Page 266
If you ever want to learn more, start with our fundamentals course.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
PS. Here are the other reference photos from the trip. Feel free to paint from them.
