Willy Willy dry weather wind by Claire E. Hayes Peltharre 32x32cm FJ058CEH

Exploring Willy Willy Winds in Claire E. Hayes Peltharre's Art

Claire E. Hayes Peltharre's captivating series of paintings bring to life the dry weather wind known as Willy Willy, inviting viewers on a visual journey through its dynamic movements. Each piece brilliantly portrays the wind's energy through intricate and vibrant colours, showcasing the power of nature in a technically superb manner.

Willy Willy winds, common in Central Australia's arid zones, form when the land's surface heats while the upper atmosphere remains cool. This phenomenon, frequently observed in the region known as Keringke, Santa Teresa, Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, is beautifully captured in Claire's work.

The Hayes family, including Claire’s sister Sharon K. Hayes and Jacinda Hayes, are also accomplished painters. They belong to the Eastern Arrernte language group, one of the most widely spoken dialects in Australia. Their shared heritage enriches their artistic expressions, providing a deep cultural context to their works.

The Bureau of Meteorology explains that a Willy Willy, also known as a Whirly Whirly or Dust Devil, forms when a localized pocket of hot air rises quickly through cooler air, creating shear in the atmosphere. As the air pocket ascends, it starts to rotate, drawing up dust from the ground and making the rotating air visible—a phenomenon vividly depicted in Claire's paintings.