When we moved to Taranaki, it was our first experience of living in the country.  We were quick to learn how open gates can cause all sorts of mayhem.

One incidence was when a neighbours two big goats found their way into our backyard.  One of the two goats saw their own reflection in our glass door and smashed it.  They both escaped another time and came back to smash a tall window around the side of our house.  Thankfully those goats are no longer around!

We have animals of our own, 5 small goats (Mr Tumness, Susan, Caspian, Lucy & Bonnie) and two alpacas (Mulder and Scully).  There have been rare times when a gate latch hasn’t been secured properly and there has been a mad panic when we have found out;  then it is all hands on deck to get them back into their paddock before they bolt.

The reference image for this painting was from a pile of photos that I have taken around our property.  I like the rustic style, and the mix of wood and metal.  Also I like the effects of angles, shadows, texture and the rusty colour.  I like zooming up on normal objects and seeing a pleasing composition, and have one spot in focus with the background hazy.