The grand age of steam has long passed as by. All that remains of the steam train era are mainly those engines and train sets maintained and run by private individuals and companies who have a real passion for steam and the skills and financial resources to restore renovate and maintain these monsters.
On the other hand, here in South Africa it may be a plan to reintroduce steam engines in view of our constant power outages caused by poor maintenance, cable theft and load-shedding.
Just Imagine, we could get Eskom to send their alleged wet coal to Transnet!
I read somewhere that if you want to be a great artist you need to be constantly drawing, even when you’re not painting. I’m sure that is true as drawing is reasonably fast, easy to amend and relatively cheap. As the South African Golfer – Gary Player used to say “The more I practice the luckier I get” so it is with art.
Drawing for its own sake hones your skills so that when you come to painting you’re likely to have a better foundation and less mistakes in your creations.
“Steam Train” will be one of many such creations in my studio during 2020.
I have recently completed a small oil painting – 1937 Chevrolet Coupe.
Some time ago I completed Old Blue, which is two old tractors outside the world famous Sandstone Estates Steam Heritage Farm outside Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State. It is a full working commercial farm with a wonderful working museum of steam driven equipment, old cars, farming equipment, planes and more. Lovely place to include in a holiday or long weekend.
Also on my easel, or more accurately, waiting it’s turn to be back on my easel, is Jessica. She is a restored steam locomotive owned and operated by the Ceres Rail Company in the Western Cape.
I’m brave enough (or crazy enough, depending on your point of view) to tackle most challenges. You’re invited to send me your favourite photo and put me to the test. You can mail me at BruceA684@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you within a day or so Copy to follow