May The Road Rise Up To Meet You....

Winding Road along St. Finian's Bay

 

8"x10" oil on linen/archival panel

To purchase, or for more information, click here. 

This location along St. Finian's bay always reminds me of the Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rains fall soft upon your field

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 

Mid-way through painting, the sun came out! The land around us sparkled like emeralds. We were all on a "post-chocolate buzz" happily painting in the open. Our non-painters went exploring along the shoreline, and some followed "the path less traveled"...and came upon a small road-side stand that sold Guinness Ice Cream!!! WOW! (yes, it was indeed delicious) - he shared it so we'd all believe his amazing discovery!

You wouldn't believe what an appetite you can work up spending all this time outside. For dinner, we went over to Boston's pub in Knightstown, back on Valentia Island. I noticed that nowadays, the smoking section is moved outside...and there was no one there! 

But inside, we're enjoying each others company, and the stories of the day. 

Old buildings seem to have the most unique touches. Down the street I spotted a unique pair of door handles...interesting curiosities.

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)!