Artist in Residence at the Sydney Heritage Fleet Part 2 : The 'Lady Hopetoun'

Painting the 'Lady Hopetoun' in a quiet spot in the 'Ability Barges' yard next to the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
As the 'Lady Hopetoun' was the first vessel acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, it seemed appropriate to kick off my residency in earnest with her portrait.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

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'Lady Hopetoun' a classic Edwardian VIP steam launch  was built in Berry's Bay and launched on 10th April 1902.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

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While she was officially described as a vice-regal steam yacht, not all her duties were so aristocratic. She was used as a relief pay boat, for small towing jobs and even ferried the children who lived on Fort Denison to school.
So even though she looks very stylish  with her low profile, raked lines and graceful counter stern, the 'Lady Hopetoun' was really a workhorse.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

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On the left of the 'Lady Hopetoun'is flotsam and jetsam belonging to Ability Barge Services, who are the real workhorses of the present day Sydney Harbour.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

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The hull of SS John Oxley looms in the centre of the background. To the left is part of the 'Kanangra', a dilapidated 100 year old ferry that the men's shed seem to have been restoring forever.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

You can see how I've chosen as my vantage point a sheltered nook in between a collection of large rusty pipes. The weather might gradually be warming up and Blackwattle Bay looks deceptively calm, but on the waterfront there is still a nip in the air.

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

starting my painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

Enquiries  

half finished painting of 'Lady Hopetoun' oil painting on canvas 36 x 46cm

$1,500

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Related posts in this blog

• Artist in Residence at the Sydney Heritage Fleet Part 1
• "Lashed to the Mast" - Plein Air painting as extreme sport
• Storm warning, Goat Island

Related articles

• 'Lady Hopetoun' Article in Afloat.magazine May 2011
• 'Lady Hopetoun' page Sydney Heritage Fleet 
• The Artist in Residence Program at the Sydney Heritage Fleet 
• Painting the 'John Oxley' at the Sydney Heritage Fleet