Glenys Holmes
A Novocastrian Canvas 2022
Continuing on from her 2021 exhibition, Newcastle artist Glenys Holmes transports another year of life in Newcastle onto a canvas.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
1040mm x 790mm
$3000
I have dedicated this painting to “Hannah” … but it truly could be anyone.
Anyone who knows and loves these iconic baths as much as Hannah and all the regulars.
Hannah was one of many of the wonderful regulars down there at the baths who were kind enough to allow me to “paint” them. I am most grateful for Hannah’s time and patience as I am for all the wonderful Novocastrians that frequent these baths and ended up being “in” my paintings.
On this day it was a Thursday (they clean the baths on Wednesday). The water was clear and clean. The sky was blue, there was a gentle breeze blowing and apart from a few seagulls there was no one around. It was one of those magical days where you dive into that beautiful water and think…life is good.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
430mm x 330mm
$1350
The stairs have significant nostalgic memories for Novocastrians. If you grew up in Newcastle you loved the Ocean Baths and many a time you would have run up and down these stairs eager to get into the water, go to the loo or go to the shop.
They still hold a special place in all our memories. We took them for granted for so long but now with the renovations their future is questionable.
This is, hence, more like a portrait of a beautiful old 100-year-old lady who has served us well over many, many years.
“Gone Swimming”
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$900
A simple painting about our simple life at Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Though it is simple it’s all we need. Our thongs, our swimmers, a towel and a bag to put stuff in. Not much required when the day’s activities involve a swim at the baths.
“Afternoon Rockpools”
Behind the Wall, Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
1040mm x 430mm
$2500
The end of a beautiful day, the last wave has been had, there’s a change on the way, but no one wants to go home. Just lingering a little bit longer. There are sandcastles to build, the water is fresh and clear and the rockpools need exploring. So, we will just linger a bit longer.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 430mm
$1250
The way we were, the way we are. This is what we do. We walk the dog, take bub for a stroll, check out the baths and grab a drink. Life as we knew it when the baths were as they were. A milk crate to sit on, a water bowl for the dog, a bag for the beach stuff, a sign that says “open”.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
430mm x 330mm
$1250
These iconic shelters hold wonderful memories for generations of Novocastrians.
One of our favourite places to have share our time with a seagull or three, keep an eye on the kids and take in the that fabulous view over Newcastle Beach.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Oil on Canvas
1040mm x 430mm
$2500
The English dictionary definition of “Repose” is … to lie, to relax, be in a state of calmness, to be idle, to be inactive, be calm and to be at peace. A fine definition of our Bleachers.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Oil on Canvas
430mm x 330mm
$1100
Men discussing what’s important … tides, swell, yesterday’s waves, and the great weather lately.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
430mm x 330mm
$1100
Not many people frequent the baths on Wednesdays … that’s cleaning day. There is the odd surfer, the odd artist and a few seagulls or three. But cleaning days are incredibly interesting … revealing the architecture and skeletal structure of our much-loved baths. Throw in Mother Nature’s spectacular lighting, some cloud props and wildlife and you have something very special on what one would think would be … a very ordinary day.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$475
A place to sit and reflect. The afternoon sun warm on my skin. This corner of our baths is loved by us all.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$900
The simplicity of the lifeguard’s “station” … pre-renovation. Such an important role, simply stated.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$525
The iconic Pumphouse!!!!! We all love it for what it signifies. A much photographed and a most respected part of our hometown’s architecture.
It’s just a little white domed structure that houses the pump but our landscape (and all us Novocastrians) would suffer a great loss if it were ever to be removed.
Merewether Ocean Baths
Merewether
Oil on Board
1060mm x 760mm
$3000
A study of our love and devotion to our coastal environment. Our Ocean Baths play a significant role in our entire lives. As toddlers and babies, we start our lives down here. It’s a place we grow to love, it’s our very own backyard … a place to swim, do our laps, catch up with friends and family, relax in the sun, take in the view, wash away the day in the salt air and sea.
No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in, we will always have a place in the sun … “down at the Baths”.
The Ridge Street Corner Store, Merewether
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 430mm
$1200
If you are a Novocastrian, you are sure to recognise this familiar corner in Merewether …
it has been there forever, serving our community over the many years dating back to the pre-war years. A popular spot to grab a bite for lunch, whether going to the beach or coming from the beach, grab a paper, have a chat, check your lottery wins.
The shop front has changed somewhat but the busyness doesn’t … nor does the human element … and then there is always a dog…patiently waiting.
Lemon Tree Passage
Port Stephens
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$475
Another pleine air study of a quiet serene corner of Lemon Tree Passage.
Again a few paints, some brushes and a canvas… a simple capture in time of a peaceful gathering…a place to feed and rest, preen and clean, gathered together in the afternoon sun.
Pelican
Lake Macquarie
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$475
Captured with a few paints, a canvas, and some brushes and inspired by the many picnickers as they are looked on by pelicans and seagulls
Newcastle Harbour
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
1250mm x 635mm
$3100
A cold July afternoon and they still come and go. These monsters of the sea glide quietly in and out of our harbour. We have come so far from the days when the old ships were guided by tides and winds, the Obelisk and often pure luck. Today it’s a safe, quiet arrival, hardly noticeable, just part of another day on Newcastle Harbour.
Nobbys Headland and Beach
Newcastle
Miniatures ... Oil on Canvas x 5
330mm x 790mm
$1400
I was fortunate enough to spend 6 weeks as an “Artist in Residence” at the Lighthouse. A unique opportunity, as an artist, to fully immerse myself in the essence of the headland and all that it stands for. I was struck by the business of the harbour. The comings and goings, the statuesque nature of our lighthouse atop of the headland, the greetings and the farewells as I looked on and found myself taking on and very much feeling the role of the Lighthouse.
Each miniature in this collection is a snippet of a day in the life of the lighthouse.
Nobbys Headland and Beach
Newcastle
Miniatures ... Oil on Canvas x 5
330mm x 790mm
$1400
I was fortunate enough to spend 6 weeks as an “Artist in Residence” at the Lighthouse. A unique opportunity, as an artist, to fully immerse myself in the essence of the headland and all that it stands for. I was struck by the business of the harbour. The comings and goings, the statuesque nature of our lighthouse atop of the headland, the greetings and the farewells as I looked on and found myself taking on and very much feeling the role of the Lighthouse.
Each miniature in this collection is a snippet of a day in the life of the lighthouse.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
“The Marina Family”
Wickham, Newcastle
A group of 6 paintings
280mm x 230mm each
Oil on Canvas
This group of paintings depict the character and charm, the diversity and uniqueness each important member of our boat community brings to our Marina.
Nobbys Beach
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
1550mm x 640mm
$3600
Nobbys Headland has many faces as all Novocastrians know. It has its majestic dawn face, shared by early morning walkers, bike riders, surfers, runners and the like. It has its day face, its sunset and evening face… but my favourite is the afternoon.
With the sun directing its spotlight onto the headland and the lighthouse, our magnificent Nobbys takes its last look of the day showing off in all its glory. It’s a great place to take it all in … have that last swim of the day, have that last paddle out or as I often do just sit and watch as the sun throws its last light onto the headland and on the day.
Bar Beach
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
940mm x 480mm
$2500
A protected northern corner of our beautiful Bar Beach. Popular with mums and their kids and grandparents on duty, it’s a beautiful, peaceful spot to chill out with a book or work on your tan. That’s our beautiful “Bar”.
The Way We Were … 1901
Nobbys Headland and Lighthouse
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
430mm x 330mm
$1350
The Lighthouse remains the same just as it was all those years ago. Built in 1857, it shone its first light on 1st January, 1858. It still operates today.
The original light was attended by three lighthouse keepers … and possibly … one dog!!!!!
Nobbys Head Lighthouse is the oldest operating Lighthouse on the NSW coast.
Olin Periculum-Nunc Salus
Once Perilous-Now Safe
Nobbys Beach
Newcastle
Oil on Canvas
330mm x 280mm
$700
A pleine air project on a brilliant afternoon. Some paints, a canvas and a view to capture.
A simple scene to take in as the kids have a great time learning to catch their first waves. Life as we know it in “Newy”.
“Quintessential Cooks Hill”
Cook’s Hill
Oil and Collage on Board
285mm x 495mm x 2 and x 1These three paintings reflect the history, charm and rusticity of this fascinating inner suburb of Newcastle.
With the sun shining down on the architecture of yesteryear, life goes on. There is still the need to get the washing dry, a place to park the bins. There’s the sign to remind you not to stop here, and a cat or three passing by. Owners have come and gone. Memories are left behind. Such small plots of ground but so much going on, in what is someone’s place they call “home”.
“Quintessential Cooks Hill”
Cook’s Hill
Oil and Collage on Board
285mm x 495mm x 2 and x 1
These three paintings reflect the history, charm and rusticity of this fascinating inner suburb of Newcastle.
With the sun shining down on the architecture of yesteryear, life goes on. There is still the need to get the washing dry, a place to park the bins. There’s the sign to remind you not to stop here, and a cat or three passing by. Owners have come and gone. Memories are left behind. Such small plots of ground but so much going on, in what is someone’s place they call “home”.
“Quintessential Cooks Hill”
Cook’s Hill
Oil and Collage on Board
285mm x 495mm x 2 and x 1
These three paintings reflect the history, charm and rusticity of this fascinating inner suburb of Newcastle.
With the sun shining down on the architecture of yesteryear, life goes on. There is still the need to get the washing dry, a place to park the bins. There’s the sign to remind you not to stop here, and a cat or three passing by. Owners have come and gone. Memories are left behind. Such small plots of ground but so much going on, in what is someone’s place they call “home”.