Ruins at Cadelga Outstation

“Ruins at Cadelga Outstation” by Geof Pearce.

In the far north eastern corner of South Australia and roughly 88km north of the historic Cordillo Downs woolshed there is a crumbling mess of a sandstone ruins known as the Cadelga Ruins. The ruins are the old homestead of the Cadelga Station, which was a significant sheep station in the region.

Cadelga’s history reflects the hardships encountered by pastoralists of isolation, heat and drought following the initial take up of land in the region during the 1870s. Environmentally, the ruins are a notable landmark appearing as a mirage initially; but always contrasting with the isolated arid landscape.

For most of the year the gibber plains are completely bare of vegetation. Indeed, much of the region has little visible vegetation. However, the fiery red tones of the sand and the oranges, browns and purples of the surrounding stony plains contrast with the beautiful blue of the spring outback sky.

This is a landscape that was exciting to paint not just because of the history behind the building but because of the earthy pink colours that predominate and contrast with the light- yellow ochre colours of the sandstone of the ruin. Well worth the adventure!

Medium: – Acrylic on Belgium Linen
Size: – Landscape: 122cm x 76cm
Completion Date: – September 2018