Lately my natural world subject has been the shore birds of the Manukau Harbour because they are fascinating to watch. Each bird requires, even demands, its own space for relaxing and preening after feeding, whilst striking entertaining poses as they stretch and rework their wet feathers. Fascinated, I have sketched them live. Concentrating on the action before me without looking at the paper on which I am drawing – and I have not “corrected” the results. I never use a camera.
Below is an earlier painting of seals which I saw on a journey to the Chatham Islands. This work was inspired by a carving in a cave.
Mangere is a special mountain full of rocks in an interesting crater and standing still very high despite its top cone having been quarried away. The views from there are spectacular – with the bridge, Manukau harbour, many more volcanoes. I am particularly interested in the crater. There is a sports field with a car park on the way up the mountain which would allow people to come and fly kites. After doing all that climbing I am stiff today!
Penny Otto 
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