July 2026

Welcome to my July blog. I know it’s already the 9th, but I’ve been busy!

Phil and I completed the 30 day challenge of a sketch each day. I started off well and although there were some days I really couldn’t be bothered, I persisted and made it to the end of the month. It helps when you know there is someone else who is also doing it. Next year, in June I will open the challenge up to all my followers. If you want to join I’ll let you know in April what we’ll do.

Every opportunity for a quick sketch. Then I had to pack my bag for our trip to see family in Australia.

We visited the Fremantle Prison and looking through the archives discovered a Charles Richard Lines who at the age of 20 was transported to Fremantle prison as he had been found guilty of stealing letters. ( He had been a postie in Liverpool). The sad thing about Charlie was he was released in October 1863 and died December 1863 aged 22. Don’t know how.

On further inspection of the archives we found Stewart Dunlop (my maiden name) who had been transported to Fremantle prison for culpable homicide. (That’s more serious). Stewart was a baker, convicted in Glasgow. A widower that was released in 1862 and subsequently lived in Perth.

In Brisbane my granddaughter and I had a little painting session. The brief was … sheep in a paddock.

Last months ‘studio sale’ was very successful. Thank you to those of you who purchased an art work.

No Tauranga Urban sketchers or Waihi Plein air painting this month. No paintings from the studio or works of notable standing. But still a month of art in all its varying forms.

Thanks for following on my journey.

Ka kite. Pamela