New Zealand Odyssey: 1878 Harbour Light, Timaru, South Canterbury

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

This harbour light was built in 1878 to guide shipping into Timaru Harbour but by the time I painted it in 1987 it had been moved to Benvenue Street, Maori Park where it stood merely as a piece of history. Typical of design that comes from function its form is pleasing and sculptural giving off an air of solid reliability. I particularly liked the red cupola - a legitimate opportunity to use a primary colour without apology!

I think it's been, or is being, moved yet again in 2011.

© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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New Zealand Odyssey: New Zealand Shipping Coy.Ltd offices, Tokomaru Bay

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

This looks like a rather ordinary dilapidated warehouse but it's astonishing to find it at Tokomaru Bay, on the relatively remote East Cape coast of New Zealand's North Island. Only one main highway serves this region but it has replaced the shipping service that used to call at these bays to pick up and deliver sheep, cattle and other necessities for and from the local farmers. The New Zealand Shipping Company loomed large in the nation's eyes and the brick building was as awe-inspiring as any bank building. I wonder if it's still there after quarter of a century?

I loved drawing the bricks. To delineate the white mortar lines I drew them with liquid latex, painted over them with a pink-brown wash then peeled away the rubber with my finger tips. 

'Cheat!' cry the purists. But I always broke the rules.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz