Mama is a Big Fat Woolly Sheep! Sketchbook Travels!

"Now I lay me down to sleep, 

My mama's a big fat woolly sheep!"

Did you ever love those novels that take place in the southwest of Ireland, where our heroine is walking through pastures, towards the cliffs overlooking the crashing ocean waves. 

The ocean is calm today, the sun is out. The sheep are resting in the warmth of a summer day, little lambs tucked in beside their mother. A gentle breeze blows the fresh ocean air.  Breathe deeply, take in your vast surroundings, green as far as you can see on landside, deep ocean aqua blue across the Atlantic and Dingle Bay. 

Now put yourself in her place...you are that heroine! Stop along your walk, take out your sketchbook and record the scene, maybe a little vignette - to remind you of the day in a way that no photo ever, ever will! 

I'm inviting you to come along dear! Now is the time for you to consider telling your own story, changing the course of your life. Choosing fun and creativity.  Has someone told you that you cannot draw? (was it you that told yourself that?). Rubbish! Everyone starts at the beginning (as one of my most respected teachers gently told me). I'm here to show you that you CAN!! All levels will enjoy this week of sketching and watercolor journaling in the Ring of Kerry area!

Sketchbook journaling is personal, not for show, totally for enjoyment, a great way to 'practice seeing and experiencing the world'. 

If you've been following my blog posts for a while, you know that I've been back many times to this area of Ireland. My friend Barbara Mastaglio (also a painter) runs art retreats and workshops at her home on Valentia Island, Ireland. I think it will be my 10th(?) time there. I've gone as a student, and have taught plein air oil painting there a few times as well. 

My love for sketch-book journaling has grown over the last several years, and I've wanted to share this trip with those who would like to experience the same! 

I took up watercolor painting back in the late 90s while living in San Diego, and was a member of the San Diego Watercolor Society. We'd have weekly paint-outs all year long! My fondest memory was painting along with many of our older members (mid-80s at that time) who were retired Disney illustrators. Some of them would share some really interesting stories about working for "Mr. Disney" on movies like Bambi, and Dumbo! We would paint all morning until noon, and one of these fellows then led a critique. It was a great way to get out there and learn!

Click here, for more photographs of what you'll see. 

Click here for more info of what you'll be learning and what's included.

$500 will hold your spot, 

Click here for registration information and to reserve your place!

I look forward to having you join us!