Sun Over The Skelligs and Montbresia, Summer Skelligs View (Ireland)

8"x10" oil on linen/panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

This one was painted plein air, from our host, Barbara Mastaglio's back garden. There's a fabulous view of the skelligs from there (among other things!).  The morning was bright yet quite windy for this demo, with the wind picking up gradually as I neared a finish.  Wind - for the plein air painter can be as difficult as rain (perhaps more so).  But painting out in the elements truly gives you an understanding of the colors you are seeing, and the sensations of the day.  That's the only way you can transmit these to an indoor studio painting.  

The second one of this view, is painted from a photo, during one of our indoor demo's from a photo on a very rainy day.  The other element in this painting that wasn't in bloom at the time we were painting were the 'montbresia' as they are called in Ireland (known as crocosmia here in the states). They are brilliant and grow wild in the hedges over there. They were just beginning to open when we were there. They are probably in full bloom right about now! And luckily, mine were still in bloom when I returned home.

"Montbresia, Summer Skelligs View"

8"x10" oil on linen/panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here.   

 

Return from Ireland - a weeklong journey to paint & tour

6"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

"Morning Fields, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry"

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

 

View from the plane as we fly into Shannon airport.

 

After an overnight flight leaving JFK Saturday evening, we arrive at Shannon airport at 6am. 

This first day of our trip, we must acclimate ourselves to our new time zones (five hours later). No napping! - or you'll find yourself awake at 2am ready to start the day five hours too early! We gather ourselves for the drive out to the coast where our workshop takes place. A bit of 'purposeful sightseeing' will get us used to our new time zone & hopefully alleviate the jet lag.   Leaving Shannon, we stop in the town of Adare for a break & a bit of tea and scones. 

Bark of a cork tree at Adare manor house.
 

We make a short stop at Adare manor to stretch our legs and see this incredible place! One of the most fascinating things I've found is the oldest Cedar of Lebanon, there on the grounds. It is said to be the oldest in Ireland and Great Britain, planted around 1645!

The gardens were rather spectacular there, as usual!

 We also make a stop in Foynes, along the Shannon River, and then head over through Ballybunnion to Ballyheigue. We have a bit of lunch at a tiny bistro along the beach at Ballyheigue Bay. Then we continue to wind our way through Tralee, and down through Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, and Portmagee before crossing the bridge to Valentia Island. Mary and Jim Lane, owners of SheaLane B&B welcome us to our home away from home. We get freshened up for dinner, and our meet and greet at Barbara and Tom Mastaglio's cottage. Barbara operates "Art on the Ring of Kerry" and is the 'Queen of Fun', making these art workshops and retreats possible.  There are so many wonderful things to see and do in this area of Kerry. It's a lot to pack into one week! She has been cooking dinner for us while we have been making our way across the countryside. Cooking aromas greet us as we enter the cottage. 

We've had some time during our travels to get acquainted with each other, and now all get to meet Barbara and Tom, our hosts during the retreat. We go over our itinerary for the week and take a tour of her property. 

 Above, from the patio, over looking Portmagee, across the channel.

Going to have a look at Barbara's studio.

So, enough about arrivals day. On Monday we begin our workshop at 9am.  Yes, it does rain in Ireland every day...or almost every day, usually not all day long, and if you time it right, there's always a bit of every kind of weather.  We started out with a bit of rain, but we have a fantastic multipurpose room at our B&B. It's a 'solarium', with windows on all three sides, perfect for painting from life, when it's pouring outside.  There's a different view in each direction you look. "Morning Fields, Valentia Island" was painted inside Mary's solarium room, looking north, as the weather changed outside.

Our first lesson is on simple landscapes, skyscapes, landforms, atmospheric perspective, composition, focal points, SQUINTING as a painting practice, as well as dealing with rapidly changing views due to weather, while plein air painting. Each day we'll cover a new painting subject while covering these topics. 

 

Join us in Ireland 2015- Ballycarbery Castle-SOLD!

6"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

This painting is sold, but there are others available, here.

This one was one of the last chances we had to paint at the end of a terrific week in Ireland, and the day was as lovely as could be. I've painted this place in all kinds of weather, each lending its own interest...but the brilliant sun & large rolling cumulus clouds really illuminated the ancient ruin, and the vegetation covered walls. 

Ahh, Ireland - could you get any more beautiful? Each time I've gone over to visit, I've been charmed by the place....leading me to return, again and again.  Everyone is so friendly. Even the puffins wave hello!

Your home away from home is the lovely Shealane Country House B&B on Valentia Island, just across the bridge from the fishing village of Portmagee. 

 Traffic jams are rare in this area, and in this case was caused by a couple of "lost lambs". 

Stories to amaze you....

and amuse you....

and leave you pondering...."did the fairies really do that?"

Charming, sweet gardens surrounding cottages in Adare,

and thrilling vistas on Skellig Michael...

the sun stays out late during the Irish summer....

Rowers are getting their evening practice in around 10pm in the Portmagee channel. 

Botanical beauties of white fuchsia look like falling stars!

A bevy of bovine beauties graze the fields along the road to Bray Head.  Sweeping vistas in all directions, just along the Atlantic Ocean.

Best looking planes out there...just seeing that shamrock makes me smile! You know I'm already thinking about the next time I return to this wonderful place!

 

Think about joining us next summer! Then start planning- we'd love to have you come along and paint with us! 

Mark your calendars for June 28th - July 5th 2015! Follow "Art on the Ring of Kerry" on Facebook for up-to-date information. And their web-site as well- you'll want to reserve your spot!

"And The Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields" - SOLD!

6"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

This painting is sold, but others are available here. 

They say cows lay down when it's going to rain. Personally, I think cows do what ever they want to.  Out in the west of Ireland, rolling hills extend from the mountains, and reach out to the sea; ruins of earlier lives are now softened by wild flowers over grown into thick hedges from plentiful rainfall. May the rains fall soft upon your fields, such is a blessing. 

I'd love for you to join us next year at another workshop in southwestern Ireland, on Valentia Island, Ireland.  Hey movie fans, did you hear the latest scoop?  The next episode of Star Wars is being filmed right now on Skellig Michael!! Follow "Art On The Ring Of Kerry" on Facebook, for more information about next summer's painting workshop. This year was so much fun! I know you won't want to miss your chance to come along!

 

Fuchsias and Ferries, Clocktowers and Cliffs, Puffins and Pubs

 

8"x8" oil on archival panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here.  

After a morning demo on 'simplifying shapes' and 'relative colors' our group headed over to Knightstown, on Valentia Island. This is the spot where a car ferry takes you over to the mainland of Ireland. Near the pier there is a beautiful Clock Tower- quite a noteworthy landmark. 

8"x6" oil on linen mounted on archival panel - SOLD

It was a beautiful morning out by the water, our painters had lots to choose from in town.

We were still talking about the puffins we had seen the day before on Skellig Michael.

   and perhaps they are still talking about us? All those gawking people cooing over their cuteness?

"Make sure you get my good side"!

 "Okay, this paparazzi posing is getting tiresome, I have fish to catch".

 

On previous trips to the skellig, I've walked all the way up to the top, to the ancient monastery, and the stone 'beehive' huts.  The place is a World Heritage site, and quite a treasure. This is the first time I haven't gone all the way up the stairs. Since it was early July, when the puffins are still nesting, I really wanted to get as many photos of these funny little birds as I could! They are so cooperative (and cute). I found an accommodating rock ledge to sit, and yes, even brought my sketchbook - as they do sit around long enough for quick sketches. As soon as I brought it out of my bag & got part way into my sketch , a seagull swooped in, right between me and the puffin- no doubt thinking I had a nice juicy sandwich! ugh! What an interloper.

Enough chatting about our Tuesday trip, we had a bog walk to take after a morning of painting. The mist came in off the ocean, clouds were moving in fast from the south, rain was on the way. 

  Some of our "bog-walking-women" here, headed towards the cliffs of Culoo.

Sheep graze all over this area, and a couple popped their head up over the cliff edge to see what was coming their way.

 "Who goes there"?!

The rest of the herd grazes across the plane of the bog.

 We were soon the recipients of a FREE Irish facial, courtesy of the mist turning to rain along the southern side of Dingle Bay. We continued our walk out to the cliffs at Culoo.

  

 When we finally made it out there, we came upon two other walkers, one who came up to chat with our group. "Ian, of the middle road"  is how he introduced himself (and how we spoke of him later). 

 Ian and friend walking along the cliffs...which btw, is one place you'd never find me! This little cove/ pond at the top disguises the drop-off on the other side! ACKK!! 

Lichens and moss (and rocks) cover the ground closer to the cliffs, and as the bog stretches away, grasses and waterways run through this place where peat has been cut for fuel over the years. Refreshing, invigorating, uplifting, and yes, even spiritual  - a bog walk is all these things.

Ruins at Ballinskelligs Beach and a windy morning of painting on the beach

8"x10" oil on linen mounted on archival panel. 

This piece is already sold, but there are still some others available from this trip.

The weather looked dramatic that morning. Wind picked up and the dark clouds rolled in close. We were able to weigh down our easels with rocks (which are readily available). It wasn't gale force by any means, but it did demand our attention to our gear while painting.

Here we are under the 'life guard' shack, with a view of the ruins just ahead of us:

 These second two photos are courtesy of Kathy O'Connor, the photographer extraordinaire of our group!

Bet you never had tea & cakes at a beach shack after your lunch (which was a hot-home-made thick veg soup)! Perfect lunch out on the enclosed garden patio! On my trip there last year I did buy one of these knitted tea cozies (and they really work! Keeps a pot of tea warm for over an hour from a stiff chill wind off the sea!

So, how could we top a perfect morning? We started with a demo, then painting on location, a hearty lunch... Well, we got on our way to the Skelligs Chocolate Factory - for the serious task of 'tasting' (before a second round of painting that afternoon..ah, but that's another story). 

Decisions, decisions....life is a series of decisions. But someone has to make them!

 

St. Finian's Bay - SOLD! and your invitation to Ireland!

8"x10" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

St. Finian's Bay is one of my favorite places to paint.  First of all, it usually involves a trip to the Skellig Chocolate factory, just across the street, close by.  Secondly, it has a wonderful beach where really tough, brAve hearty souls go to swim and surf! I've been there on cloudy days, misty days, and sunny days (and of course days that have every weather event involved...and it's always beautiful!  This one sold at our "Wet Painting Sale" on Valentia Island, to a repeat collector who lives on the island. 

It was a WONDERFUL week! Barbara Mastaglio, our host for planning our week through Valentia Island Art Retreats knows this region so well, keeps us painting at some really great locations! 

Mary and Jim Lane, who own and run Shealane B&B do a superb job of keeping us well fed and rested, and keep us headed in the right direction with any question we might have.  This was my sixth time over to visit and paint, Mary and Jim have become like family.  And Barbara I would claim for a sister at any time.

We do hope you'll join us next summer - I'll be offering a workshop there. You'll gain great tips on improving your decision making skills in the great outdoors, make faster and stronger starts to your painting, so you'll have that roadmap to a great finish.  Learn to strengthen your composition for a truly compelling painting, and "finding your voice" in your painting career.

I've just finished downloading all my photos from the adventure- and I'll share them here on the blog. You'll also hear it from me, what I got snagged in security for! (and it wasn't a pile of rocks)!   

  

Brilliant LIght Over Portmagee and Puffin Island; I'm off to paint in Ireland!

Click here to bid!

Just the thought of Ireland evokes so many thoughts for her children that have emigrated to all points of the world. Within those of us...there is a longing perhaps...an internal memory of those rolling green hills, laid out before us like a rumpled bolt of green velvet fabric.  Do you hear it calling? 

September is my birthday month, and in anticipation of that as WELL as this trip to Ireland, my gift to you is this opportunity. I have some special offerings on some 'paintings from the vault'. Some of the few remaining paintings of Ireland that I have done over the last few years. If you missed out, follow the above link (the one that says 'click to bid'). It will take you to several ebay listings and I'll be adding several over the next few days!  Spreading some birthday love with no wrinkles added!

I am finally packed,,,,,okay, okay, all except for my carry-on. That is always the last minute 'sit and stuff'. I've figured out which jackets, which sweaters, pants, socks, and most important, which paints and which size panels! 

Which brings to mind- how does any one actually wear clothes and paint big canvases....and not pay HUGE airline fees for bringing an over-sized suitcase or an extra suitcase? "Mr. Travel" - aka Rick Steves obviously does not haul along painting gear!  

Yesterday I had everything placed in a super-large suitcase and still had room left! (WHAT? when does that ever happen?). I still had enough room for one of my shorter neighbors and her dog, too.  I was thinking this was looking rather too large. I vaguely recalled something on a recent AerLingus email about luggage sizes and limits, so I went back to find the information. Holy cow! Glad I did- the limit is 62" and under 50 pounds. Well, I hadn't gone over 50 pounds yet, but I was wondering about that size limit. Turns out it is length + width + depth.  Well, this suitcase was a good deal over. I looked up what the fine/penalty/fee/gouging was to be??? Yikes - $100. A hundred bucks ? No way. So the un-packing ensued...and re-packing began, into a medium sized suitcase. (Didn't the three bears have an adventure like this?).

So the dreaded packing part is pretty much over. Tomorrow, hubby delivers me to the airport. I've made chili & roast chicken for him to have a few leftovers. Then he resorts to the Indian restaurant and the BBQ place for the rest of my trip. They have become like family and know us quite well now. The guy who owns the BBQ restaurant saw me in the grocery store one day and said, "Hey, you must've been out of town again, your husband was in here for dinner three times last week!".  Poor guy! It does work out better when my trusty art assistant gets to come along!  

I do you hope you'll follow along on the adventure! Here's hoping I have a good wi-fi connection so I can share the scoop with you! Get ready for a little armchair travel adventure. I'm bringing my watercolor postcards along, too...could there be some gifts involved for you? Why, yes! Make sure you are signed up for this blog (see the upper right hand column to enter your email address), so it arrives in your email inbox and keeps your name in the hat to win a watercolor postcard from Ireland! I'm so grateful to my loyal blog readers, I always love the input, and sharing thoughts and ideas with you! 

Round The Bend In Dingle Town

6"x6" oil on gessoed Masonite board

For more information, or to purchase, click here!

So here's an experiment.... This evening I'm blogging on my iPad, just to make sure I can figure this out without too much frustration. So in between laying out clothes and paint gear today, I had to sit down and at least paint something small.  So this little scene is from one of my previous trips over. I had been looking through old photos of travels to Ireland and decided I may as well get a quick bit of painting time in, too.

For the sake of sharing some quick news and carrying less heavy stuff, this may do the trick. But I have a feeling I'm going to miss having my laptop. What I won't miss is the shoulder strain from carrying too much.

To make this work, I got a card reader from the Apple store, so I could download photos into my iPad. Now these gizmos only hold so much data, so it won't be something I do all the time, but for travel, I hope to make it work. Once you get your photos downloaded into your ipad, you can alter your photos a bit by cropping, etc.  In order to load your photos from the photo file on your ipad, you need to have downloaded the 'Blogger' app. That will allow you to access your photo file.  

Well, it's a good deal later, and I'm back to edit this on my laptop. Center the text, re-size the photo so that it's not over-run by text from the side-bar, as well as add a link. Whew, that feels better!