Deep Creek Billabong - Garigal Country

Oil on primed hemp/cotton canvas.
45cm x 55cm
 
I painted this for the My Place exhibition , an online exhibition in December 2020 containing the works of 50 emerging Australian landscape artists.
The Deep Creek reserve is a few minutes from my home and its where I bring my dogs to cool down on hot days in Summer.
The billabong winds away from Narrabeen Lake; a haven for native bird and marine life. Eels spawn here I'm told which is a bit concerning when my Ridgeback wades in up to his neck. He's a big dog and probablty eels stay well clear. 
Deep Creek has a past; it's Garigal country and was mentioned as a campsite for the Koori people around the 1950's and a place for future generations to return. The Narrabeen Sports Academy was established and sadly the camp was no more.
When I paint here, there is an eery stillness that is unsettling, however my usually timid Ridgeback always stands by my side whenever anyone arrives at the reserve.