Amazing art

From portraits of babies, to lions glowing on velvet and stunning murals, local artist Gareth Humphreys creates work full of life, light and beauty.

He is also a sculptor and created a beautiful dolphin for Amber's Path. This is a unique area of its own, designed by a grandmother as a creative, fun area for her granddaughter, but then contributed to by other children in the community.

Gareth is a self-taught artist and has built up a portfolio for the past nine years that includes portraits from photographs, murals, landscapes, bathroom designs and painted mosaics. The music playing in the background alters according to the mood of the painting. As Rachmaninov plays in the background, he looks out from his studio over the ocean and paints or chats to passers-by.

But it has to be one of those still, warm days, with the sun shining off the sea. A sleepy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Folk walking dogs, children riding bicycles and an artist, painting.
To see more of his work, visit http://www.southafricanartists.com/

Flower show

The local flower show was a visual treat for all exhibitors and visitors.

Joan Bursey said: "Welcome to Wonderland". Joan said after having gone through a drought it was amazing to see the colour and beauty of the plants and that they must have been given tender, loving care. She congratulated everyone on their efforts and thanked God for recent rains. She said she felt truly honoured to be invited to open the show.

All entries were carefully judged and while Chairlady of the Garden Club, Cynthia Hewson swept the board in a number of categories for the beautiful flowers from her garden, she said she was very pleased that there were a number of new exhibitors this year.

Exhibitors won prizes from Amalinda Nursery, Antiques and Things and the Red Teahouse, Floradale Nursery, the Superspar, Bromeliads for Africa, Brendan Howard, Murambi Roses, Pioneer Nursery, Spargs, Starke Ayres, The Village Centre and Hands On.

Market under the trees

It was a hot, sunny, buzzing market day at the Tea Under the Trees on Sunday down the East Coast Resorts Road, along the Jikileza Route.

Visitors could order breakfast or lunch and then stroll around the various stalls offering everything from beadwork to pottery, leatherwork, home-produce and even second-hand goods, wool-spinning and a hat tree.

There is a play-area for smaller children and pony rides were also on offer. Those wanting some exercise could take a walk down the Forest path.