Pink Lake, Full Moon Rising

The salt lakes in Australia predate human settlement,

And although salt has both negative and positive associations from the agricultural point of view, salt lakes can be very diverse places providing home to hundreds of species

Climate change and drought is a threat to these fragile eco systems

Located in north-west Victoria, about four hours from Melbourne, is Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest inland salt lake.The name Tyrrell comes from the Aboriginal word ‘tyrille’, which means sky or space.

Covering approximately 208 square kilometres, the lake’s salt is controlled mostly by weather changes. About a metre of water can fill up the basin in cooler and wetter months, but the water almost completely evaporates over summer. During particularly wet and warm times of year, the water at Lake Tyrrell turns pink. This is because of the red pigment that’s secreted by pink micro-algae called red marine phytoplankton.

I was fortunate to see a full moon rise over lake Tyrell and this painting is inspired by that special evening.

Poem

Lake Tyrell (Victoria)full moon rising

Vast salt encrusted landscape, a glimpse of infinity Beside footprints delicate crystals form into glistening driftwood sculptures.

Early morning sky reflections merge into a midday mirage in subtle tones as daylight changes. Slowly late afternoon shadows lengthen towards the golden hour. Light softens, colours deepen pink and lilac hues become a backdrop to a huge full-moon rising and night falls gently to reveal the star-studded heavens.

Oh! what humbling earthly splendour!