Loves Creek, MacDonnell Ranges 1948

Albert Namatjira's watercolour, *Loves Creek, MacDonnell Ranges*, captures the Australian outback with delicate washes of colour. Just imagine the light on the paper, pooling those purples, ochres, and dusty pinks. I wonder what it was like standing in front of that landscape, trying to catch the immensity of it all with just a brush and some watercolours. The way he layers those horizontal strokes to build up the rock face makes me think about geological time, and the sheer weight of those mountains bearing down. And then there are those tiny trees clinging to the rocks, like little bursts of hope. It's interesting to think about how Namatjira was looking at Western art traditions while also bringing his own perspective and deep connection to his country. He’s part of this long conversation painters have been having for centuries, each one adding their own little piece to the story. You know, it's never really about getting it "right," but more about feeling your way through.