Duntara, Newfoundland

Mountains near Port-Aux-Basques

This is my first visit to Newfoundland since I was a young man when my friend and I spent three days outport-hopping on the south shore’s coastal boat, ultimately arriving in Argentia on the Avalon Peninsula. We then hitchhiked to St. John’s before thumbing across the island, back to Port-aux-Basques and the ferry.

Rocks at Duntara

I’ve waited way too long to return to the big island that is often referred to as the Rock. Newfoundland is known for many things but primarily for it’s very friendly people and the ruggedly beautiful landscape. We’ve been here for three days, settled into a cozy house in Duntara on the Bonavista Peninsula, and have already encountered several examples of each.

We’d been looking forward to lots of painting and walking and getting off the telephone and computer leash. Then my watch stopped during our first night. I think the Rock is trying to tell me something.

Near Keels, Nfld

We visited the neighbouring village of Keels yesterday where we met Francis P. Young who is a performing musician known as the Trouting Newfoundlander. Francis pointed out a few of the local points of interest such as the Geyser and the cemetery.

Lobster Pots, Keels

I’ve been sketching a bit and also experimenting with gouache over watercolour. Here’s an image of Duntara on Arches rough watercolour paper. I’ll post again soon.

Duntara 1

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Tags: Barry Coombs, Canada, Duntara, gouache, landscape, Newfoundland, watercolor, watercolour, works on paper