So here I am, having driven around to the Western side of the Piketberg to see the tiny hamlet of Aurora with its under 700 inhabitants and its reputation of zero crime, zero police presence! I first heard about Aurora when it was claimed that city people buy places here to have a proper rest, write a book or recuperate in the cleanest air in the country. I will visit again to find the single shop, lunch at the single (very promising) restaurant and the one and only coffee house. And to look up the toy maker, and find some historic markers, and most of all hopefully find somebody with stories to share about the place!
Driving up and down at 12 noon, I hear no sounds but the natural whisper of a mountain breeze. There are no traffic sounds and as things seem, hardly ever lawn mower sounds to be heard either, because in a few gardens two or three sheep are keeping the grass short! After a while a lady comes out on her veranda, hands on the hips, no doubt wondering: "Now who is this "agie" (a curious person) driving up and down here"?
For my painting I chose a village home with a very distinct farmhouse aura. In the photos are some more peaceful scenes in Aurora.....I will go back one day!
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It is lovely Marie, and so is your post. I can just see you slowly driving through the little hamlet and the hands-on-the-hips stares! What did they think when you set up your easel?!
ReplyDeleteI love how you include photos so we can really get the flavor of that particular scene. Love the painting too. I like how you have the fence and the trees framing the house.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bucolic picture you've painted with words! You've also captured beautifully that sense of serenity in your painting, Marie. Like you, we often just go for drives and enjoy the uniqueness of the old towns...the best places to live in my mind!
ReplyDeleteWith today's hustle and bustle, it sounds even more charming. Your painting is very charming also, thats a great tree.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an oasis of peace. I love this painting with its farmhouse nestled in greenery. You describe so fully a place that I will never see, but can visualize in my mind.
ReplyDeleteYou chose a perfect subject. I can just imagine this town. You've captured the isolation in this painting very well.
ReplyDeleteJean
Charming! Amazing how much this reminds me of terrain here in Texas. Wonderful job of capturing the moment!
ReplyDeleteVery Very Beautiful! The paintings and the photos. I want to live here...:)
ReplyDeleteFree Hand Madhubani Painting
Wonderful photos...they look so calm and quiet, just as described. Your painting carries through with the same peaceful air.
ReplyDeleteMay Aurora remain the same forever...that is my wish for the residents, though very unlikely, as time marches on.
Wonderful strong greenery surrounding the house. It makes the house seem so unassuming in the vast landscape surrounding it. I love this town..I want to go there on an artists retreat!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and the painting is so good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely photos and description of this charming town. Your painting of the village house is delightful, with a particularly pleasing composition.
ReplyDeleteI loved browsing your interesting blog and am very happy to have found it (via your comment on Linda Blondheim's blog). My favorite post was your analysis of 2009's best painting--a brilliant idea which I plan to implement for myself this week!
Whenever I need to relax I come for a visit. I am never disappointed.
ReplyDeleteDean, it was your wish that Aurora would never be over-developed. Rest assured, it is not very likely to happen as Aurora is quite a distance from anywhere and there are no through roads.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, you said that you would like to go there on a artist's retreat? Of course, you must realise that this very possible and affordable and there are loads of things to paint especially in the wildflower season!