"Once a jolly swagman, camped by a billabong..." by Estelle O'Brien
Estelle O'Brien

"Once a jolly swagman, camped by a billabong..." by

Pastel on Mi Teintes paper
30 × 42 cm

This is my interpretation of the famous line from Banjo Patterson’s wonderful poem “Waltzing Matilda”, based on illustrations done by Desmond Digby in a beautiful book published by Collins, which won the Australian Picture Book of the Year Award in 1971.

I enjoyed doing it so much I think I will do it in paint…the pastels are starting to make me cough and wheeze!

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Comments

  • Valerie Anne Kelly
    Valerie Anne K...about 3 years ago

    Absolutely outstanding pastel sweetheART dancin’ shoez ON by the Billabong lol! ;} happy hippy hugglez

  • Thank you so much Val…you always lift my spirits! xx

    – Estelle O'Brien

  • Pam Wilkie
    Pam Wilkieabout 3 years ago

    Great use of pastels, Estelle – love the water and reflections inparticular.

  • Thank you so mcuh Hemalata. Haven’t caught up with you for a while, hope you are all well down there. We’re getting pretty wet up here….3rd flood in 3 months!

    – Estelle O'Brien

  • dinghysailor1
    dinghysailor1about 3 years ago

    so thats what a billabong looks like…LOL…. lovely work and glad to hear youre going for the healthy option soon …lol….. :)))

  • Thanks Maggie, yes the Aussie bush is a sight to behold…you must come down under and visit one day!

    – Estelle O'Brien

  • dinghysailor1
    dinghysailor1about 3 years ago

    i’ll go start digging now ..LOL….
    :))

  • Linda Callaghan
    Linda Callaghanabout 3 years ago

    man and nature go so well together in this pastel painting…a lovely peaceful pastel!

  • Sally Omar
    Sally Omarabout 3 years ago

    Lovely!!!!!! oxoxoxo

  • joak
    joakabout 3 years ago

    guid stuff estelle

  • Lora Garcelon
    Lora Garcelonabout 3 years ago

    I like the light coming through the trees – It really sets a mood for the painting.

  • WhiteDove Studio kj gordon
    WhiteDove Stud...about 3 years ago

    very refreshing…try oil pastels….no dust………….

  • Colombe  Cambourne
    Colombe Cambo...about 3 years ago

    Absolutely wonderful, Estelle! This is so Australian, I can smell the eucalyptus in the air…
    You use the pastels like a pro.