Year - 2026 · Size - 21 x 30 cm / 8¼ x 11¾ in · Medium - Ink and pen on paper

I left early with the aim of hunting a painting somewhere in Wombat State Forest, but arriving at Bullengarook I couldn't find any clear paths in. I headed west along a busy road towards Bacchus Marsh and it wasn't long before the Lerderderg Range came into view — its large expanse and steep gullies irresistible. I headed for the base of the gorge.

I had visited Lerderderg Gorge around thirty years earlier and had always wanted to return. I found it muddy and flowing high after rain the night before, the river crossings wade-able only barefoot, the water winter cold and fresh enough to drink.

The forest was vibrant with post-rain colour — the wonderful yellow trunks of the yellow gums a highlight against the rich ochres of the sedimentary stone cliffs, which contrasted with the blackened trunks of red ironbarks dotted across the escarpment. As I sat down to paint a picturesque bend in the gorge a light shower drifted through, and then as the blue appeared a family of wedge-tailed eagles soared overhead.