Trip Report: Byron Bay 2021

Main Beach, Byron Bay

 I visited Byron Bay in May 2021 for a short four day trip. This was the first trip I made with the intention of doing plein air art and taking as many reference photos as I could. I was inspired after taking a natural history illustration course and watching many plein air art videos on Youtube to pass the time during the COVID lock downs. I was very keen to put everything I had learnt to capture what I saw on the trip.  

The supplies I took with me were: 

• A Hahnemuhle Watercolour Book (a5 portrait)

• Daniel Smith watercolour set 

• A few brushes 

• A collapsible water cup

• Tombow markers and fineliners

• Pencils and erasers

• Pentel brush pen

These supplies worked really well for the trip. I had just enough of everything I needed but didn't get overwhelmed with choice (which has happened on more recent trips) and everything fitted neatly into a small handbag.

On the first night, I boldly attempted to paint the sunset on the beach as it was happening. This proved very challenging and I wasn’t very satisfied with the result but the experience of trying to capture a disappearing moment was so much fun and showed me how much I still had to learn about mixing colours quickly and trying to remember what the lighting was like when I started the piece. 

Sunset attempt #1

Sunset attempt #2

My absolute highlight of the trip was diving at Julian Rocks. It’s a beautiful dive site that has a blend of tropical and temperate species and stunning rock slabs covered in life. I did my dives with Byron Bay Dive Center, who were great to dive with. Unfortunately, while getting ready for my first dive, I discovered to my dismay that while I had packed the dive housing for my camera, I had forgotten to put the camera into the housing before I left home. Luckily for me the dive center had cameras that you could rent out so I still got to take photos. 

On the dives, everywhere you looked were wobbegongs resting on the seafloor. Our dive group was also treated to leopard sharks, eagle rays, turtles, huge schools of goatfish and the most adorable baby lion fish. 

After the dives, I had a go at doing some quick marker studies of a few of the fish that I saw using the photos I took while diving as a reference. 

Marker studies of a wobbegong, globe fish and leopard shark

In my remaining time in Byron, I explored the town and its beaches. I did the obligatory walk to the lighthouse, took a morning run along Clarkes Beach and had a grand plan to sit on Tallows Beach to finish reading my book. This plan was dashed by the book being misprinted and starting from the beginning again halfway through. So rather than head back to town to find a new one, I painted the view from under the trees at the back of the dunes. Four years on I’ve still never replaced the copy or found out how it ended. 

Tallows Beach, Byron Bay

On the last night of the trip, I was treated to another stunning sunset. Instead of trying to paint it this time, I just enjoyed watching it and took a few photos. Once I got home, I was filled with inspiration. Here’s the pieces I made once I was home:

In many ways, this trip was a catalyst for where I am now with my art practice. It taught me that as long as you have a few art supplies with you and take the time to stop and draw or paint, it doesn't matter how well the art comes out, because the process itself is so enjoyable. I also find that if I've painted somewhere, I remember so much more of the experience of being there. If you've read this far, I hope it can inspire you to take a few art supplies with you on your next adventure and try it for yourself.

Best fishes,

TC