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The idea for Colour Wheel Promenade came from walking the Long Reef to Dee Why beach trail and seeing a rainbow on a stormy winter’s day. This coastal walk is popular with locals and tourists because of the varied light conditions. When walkers stand on Long Reef headland on a windy day, with the sun competing against blustering rain, they can see glimpses of vibrant colours mixed with pale greys and sea green blue. When conditions are like this the walkers are often rewarded with a rainbow on the far horizon or arched over Dee Why beach.

It was on such a sun-stormy day, in July 2016, that I spoke with the couple featured in my painting. I think they said they had travelled from the New England region of NSW to dog sit for friends in Collaroy. As we said goodbye a fresh rain squall moved over us and up went their bright umbrella. I asked if it would be ok if I pictured them walking away towards Dee Why and they happily obliged.

In the scene the green panel of the umbrella touches the shoulder of the man walking the dog. He has just spotted a rainbow on the far horizon and he twists his shoulders to comment and point it out. As he points the colours are transferred from his partner’s umbrella towards the view. The colour path emerging from his finger reveals the green bushes and pale sea green blue of the ocean. In the distance a sea bird flies against the wind storm and towards the calmer conditions of the coloured rainbow.

When I came across the photos again, I was drawn back to the colours in the umbrella. I’ve chosen to add this painting to my grey tone series where I feature two colours mixed with soft greys. This time I’ve decided to add seven colours to contrast with grey.