Visit to #RoyalBotanicGardens #Sydney and #ArtGalleryOfNewSouthWales

After a day around town we were looking forward to a relaxing walk around the Gardens, which were a short walk from the hotel. Last time we visited Sydney we had stopped there but only for the view across the bay and to sit in Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

​This time we could wander at our leisure and admire the scenery. Along the walkways were several sculptures, which reflected the overall feel of the Garden. The first one was of a giant Bee and the next one, which I chose to sketch, was like a giant egg made from branches. This particularly intrigued me as I found a stunning rock formation to shelter under from the fierce morning sun. In the front of the view nature was reflected in the artwork and in the distance the two great landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House stood in all their splendour.

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 After, a pleasant walk around the Gardens, we visited a  small gallery in the garden, with changing exhibitions, for artists whose work reflected the theme of the area. 

​Next, we crossed the road to visit The Art Gallery of New South Wales; another large exhibition space with impressive classical architecture. Here again, was a wide selection of Modern art and Australian paintings; such famous artists, as Picasso, Monet and Cezanne and several other Impressionist painters. I also enjoyed the range of Aboriginal art on show and was  impressed by the way the paintings told a story by the use of different shapes, symbols and images.​

What was also of interest, as I have noted before, is the public viewing choices. As well as the permanent collections, which were filled with onlookers, there were two other exhibitions, which required visitors to pay an entrance fee; The Lady and the Unicorn and  Robert Mapplethorpe, had large queues, yet the modern art gallery, which displayed more challenging conceptual art, was nearly empty.

An interesting visit to two art venues in and around the Botanical Gardens and an excellent contrast to the busy city. We also enjoyed a fun lunch; but more about this in my next blog!