In 2023, I was fortunately enough to enjoy a week cruising the unequivocally
stunning Kimberley region of Western Australia, on board the Ponant ship, “Le
Soléal”.

Day one we moored off the Lacepede Islands, watching many whales and their
calves leisurely swimming right by the boat. I stayed on the boat and Suzanne
had a wonderful time going closer the island in the Zodiac to see the many bird
species, including Roseate Terns, Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser
Crested Terns, and many, many more.

Day two and three, we moored off “Collier Bay”. Suzanne again ventured in
the Zodiac to see the Horizontal Falls, the 14 metre tidal surge off and over
Montgomery Reef.

Day four the boat moored off “Careening Bay”. In 1820 Lieutenant Phillip
Parker King sailed this area and his ship the HMC Mermaid suffered damage. At
high tide he ran the ship aground to make repairs and three days later the ship
was refloated at high tide. His ship’s carpenter carved the name HMC Mermaid
1820 into an old boab tree on the shore, where it is still clearly visible
today.

In the morning of day five, we went on a helicopter to the Mitchell Falls,
the ride was amazing as we marvelled at the grandeur, colours and vastness of
the country. The falls were spectacular, and we took the opportunity to have a
swim in the water holes... that were crocodile free. In the afternoon the boat
had to move due to the tide, so I was not able to start this painting until
4:15, only giving me an hour and 15 minutes to paint this scene. As the sun set
the colours were mind blowing!

The crew were lovely on the cruise. I had the opportunity to do a quick
sketch of one of the very talented dancers on the Ponant ship “Le Soléal”. Her
name is Manon. It was not quite two hours and this is the second drawing of the
sitting. It is not a good representation of Manon but I like it because it is
cute. I would have liked to have another go but the boat works the crew pretty
hard.

If you would like to purchase one of the original paintings, please contact
hello@ralphbaker.com.au