Norman Lindsay Gallery

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We left the Skyrider motel at 9AM and went back to Katoomba for one last look at the main business area. Like many other places around this country, Covid had a very negative effect on some businesses and there are many unoccupied shops and closed businesses.  It seems not many businesses open before 10AM so we wandered aimlessly until we found somewhere we could get a decent coffee. We found a great little coffee shop and had the best coffee we have had for a long time. With that done and dusted we set off for the Norman Lindsay Gallery.
Norman Lindsay is one of Australia's most prolific artists of the 20th Century. He is mostly know for his nudes and also writing and illustrating The Magic Pudding. But there is more to the man than we really know. He was a regular contributor to The Bulletin as an illustrator and cartoonist, as well as a etcher, sculptor, writer, art critic, novelist, and amateur boxer. 

We stopped off at his home in Faulconbridge where some of his sculptures still adorn the beautifully manicured gardens. Most of these sculptures were made from wire mesh and concrete and completely shaped by hand. The level of detail is amazing, and even the facial features depicting himself and his wife Rose is extremely accurate. He was also known for his scale models of sailing ships, where the level of detail is astronomical.

To be in the same place that this artistic genius lived is quite inspirational, and it made us think about other artists who dedicated their life to the craft. Whilst I don't consider we are on the same level as Norman Lindsay, (or even close) it does shed some light on how we as artists think outside the square.
His wife Rose was his business manager, and was instrumental in marketing his etchings. She is also the model most prolific in his paintings and sculptures. This gallery is a must see for any aspiring artist.

Leaving the gallery we made our way to the Value Suites in Emu Plains for our next stay. We arrived early and were able to move into our room straight away. These are fairly new and are situated near the railway station, making it ideal if you want to head to the big smoke. They have a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals although the only cooking you have is a microwave, toaster and electric jug.  

We thought we might check out to local gallery, and there was a lot on display. They were mostly contemporary displays and photography. Having our fill of galleries for the day, we found a shopping centre to stock up on some supplies for the next few days. It was time to head back to our lodgings and put our feet up and plan our activites for the next 3 days.

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