Usually I am up reasonably early, take off for a walk once I’ve finished my chores, returning refreshed and ready for ‘work’. But, lately, I have been staying in bed longer, reading, not wishing to face the world. I do go out eventually, masked while walking, and steer clear of others coming too close. I look at at the clouds, the sea, and the trees still in blossom, to help lift my spirits like they usually do. But my heart is heavy, as the Delta strain of Covid has hit New Zealand and we are in lockdown again. I miss my family terribly. One week has become two, and I have done little artwork or writing. I knew I had to shake myself out of this slump, and gave myself a little drawing project to complete.
A short distance from home there is a stand of native nīkau, which I pass every time I walk down to the waterfront. A couple of days ago, I stopped and took a couple of photos, determined to sketch from them – soon. Not the best images I’ve ever taken, but I was not going to be put off, and started drawing a close-up of the crown shaft as soon as I reached home.
Nīkau are the only palm species endemic to New Zealand, and seem to enjoy coastal living. They are a most striking palm, reaching up to 15m, with fronds 3m in length. I remember walking the Heaphy Track, years back, and being surrounded by a Nīkau forest on the last leg of the track. Imagine – golden sand, beneath your feet and giant green palms swaying above your head. Magic. What makes them so striking, is the bulbous crown shaft and the red berries which sprout prolifically in spring, attracting our native giant pigeon Kereru, which adore those berries.
Just sitting to sketch, arranging my drawing pad and picking up a pencil, immediately calms me down. Once my hand stretches over the blank page and I begin to sketch, I am taken away from my concerns about the virus, and the separation from my family in Australia, and am concentrating on my drawing. Drawing has always been part of my life, and will always be the best antidote to help clear the blues for me. But, wait, there’s one more sketch to do. The last is a repeat of the graphite close-up, but in artist-quality colour pencils this time. Faber Castell polychromos, are great pencils, and can be purchased individually as well as in boxed sets. They are smooth, can be blended, but not easily removed by eraser. I’ve used them for years, and love them just as much as I did when I bought my first set. I hope you get to try some.
ARTISTRY 
Elegant drawings Vivienne! Love the colours… Polychromos are one of my favourite brand of pencils. Not much fun being unable to see family – we’re yet again in lockdown in Victoria. One of our sons, his wife and their little boy – our first grandchild, are in N.S.W – we’re yet to meet him! And it looks like it’ll be a while before that will be possible. All the best to you over there in New Zealand – hope the travel bubble between our countries happens again before long. ~ Janette
LikeLike
Thank you Janette, I appreciate your comments. Sorry to hear that you are in a similar situation. All the best, Vivienne
LikeLike
For most of the pandemic, New Zealand and Australia were shown as models on how to control Covid.
In North America, so many lives were lost unnecessarily to Covid precisely because action was taken too late, or the policy was too weak to do any good. Politicians dithered while virologists warned of 2nd, then 3rd, and now 4th wave. It is a patchwork of regulations from one province to another without any rhyme or reason sometimes. The current controversy is all about the vaccine “passport” in order to participate and be allowed in non essential areas like theatres, restaurants, gyms, concert venues, etc. Some politicians resisted implementing the passport because it would potentially create a divided society but the pressure from most Canadians who believe in vaccinations and in passports means that now, the pendulum seems to be swinging the other way.
LikeLike
Yes, Louise it has been a trying time for so many countries. NZ was spared through the first out break, but is now faced with the unruly performing Delta version, which just keeps sweeps through communities all over the world. Auckland will stay in lockdown for a while, although south of Auckland will probably drop in levels, giving a little freedom of movement.
LikeLike
Thank you Vivienne. I love the Nikau and enjoyed your piece.
Yes I agree…not so easy to stay on top this time round,
LikeLike
Thanks Christine. I enjoyed doing the drawings. Hope you are doing well.
LikeLike
Good One.
LikeLike
What a good idea to find a drawing project and lose yourself. I like the sound of those pencils, I must invest in some for myself!
LikeLike
Lovely drawings. I keep telling myself I need to try colored pencils—I’ve sketched with graphite pencils for quite a few years—but am still trying to master watercoloring. Colored pencils will be my next project.
I hope your country sees improvement soon concerning the Delta variant. Here in the USA, it’s bad.
LikeLike
keep going with the watercolour, you’ve got a nice touch. Thanks for your kind words KT.
LikeLike
You’re most welcome!
And I will soldier on…once I start something, I hate to give up on it.
LikeLike