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.   

 

Foxgloves on the Ring of Kerry - SOLD! & Glanleam Gardens

10"x8" oil on linen mounted on panel

Each year that I've been in the southwest of Ireland during the summer months, there is usually foxglove blooming wild, here and there. Usually there are just a few of them together in a small stand. This year, the wild blossoms were in rather huge groupings along the roadsides, edges of pastures, etc.   This demo was to show these same techniques from the day before in a floral grouping, all the while paying attention to composition, focal point, values, and edges. 

This was to be the day of our 'skellig excursion' to Skellig Michael, an island 10 miles offshore, with an ancient monastery site & stone beehive huts. Puffins are still nesting at this point in the year.  But, as it turned out, this was the first year we were unable to make the trip. It had been too rough to make the landing, so our boat did not go. We tried rescheduling twice for later in the week, but the seas did not cooperate.  Mother Nature had her way this year. 

There is no lack of things to see and do however. More painting time - with some lessons taught indoors due to rain, and an altered itinerary; flexibility is always highly valued! Lots of discussion among the group regarding social media for artists. 

Here are some of our social media mavens:

The rain cleared leaving a misty atmosphere and we were able to visit Glanleam Gardens, for a picnic lunch, painting demo & painting time & hiking (for the non-painters). It's an incredible property with quite an unusual rare subtropical plant collection.  On the front corner of the house was an Australian Manuka tree.

I knew that would be an interesting view for a quick demo on foliage and architectural details. 

 

10"x8" oil on linen mounted on archival panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

I did manage a short hike while there on the grounds. Some of the largest fern species I've ever seen simply felt pre-historic!

 Some of the foxglove blossoms were taller than people!

Dark hidden paths through forest and glen were truly enchanting, with old iron gates, and sea views through standing stones.

Oh yes, and those stands of foxglove I mentioned earlier? I did see one near the grotto at the Valentia Slate Quarry. 

Kerry Grazing, Ireland - Valentia Island

24"x36" oil on canvas, 1 inch deep

For information or to purchase, click here. 

Heaven on earth.... 

Truly a delight for the senses. 

The breeze carries the sound of cows, grasses,  and the water in the channel as it laps the shore. 

I'm looking forward to my return this month...and I'll be accompanied by several artists and a few other creative types as well. We'll share the adventure with you! 

Kerry Gold, Ireland, Sheep Grazing, Valentia Island - SOLD!

16"x16"x1" oil on cradled birch panel

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

It's definitely love at first site when I see the lambs and sheep out on Valentia Island. It's just off the coast of the Iverragh peninsula, on the south side of Dingle Bay.  Headed back at the end of June - I'm looking forward to seeing some of last year's participants, and meeting some new folks, too! This is such a magical place. 

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!

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.

Kerry Cow On Rolling Pastures

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite archival panel

"May you live as long as you want,

And never want as long as you live."

-Irish Blessing



I'm offering another one of my web-subscriber-specials today (early 2009 prices and the shipping is on me!). This is valid through St. Patrick's Day (this Thursday, the 17th). Walking past rolling pastures on Valentia Island, many of the dairy cows would come to see who was walking down the road past their field. Wonderful models for any artist!

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD
Or, send me an email

Naptime Lamb With An Ocean View, Valentia Island, Ireland

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite archival artboard

The third of my subscriber specials this month! Some select older pieces at early 2009 prices $ shipping is on me! Lambs and sheep dotted the pastures along the seaside of Valentia Island on my last visit. I knew I couldn't bring one of these cute babies home, but painting them is the next best thing! They were enjoying the sunshine on that day as well as I was.

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD
Or, send me an email

I have been painting a larger work the last few days & hope to be able to post it tomorrow! Stay tuned!!

Tied Up At The Moment (Fishing Boat, Portmagee, Ireland)

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite archival artboard

"There are two types of fisherman - those who fish for sport and those who fish for fish." ~Author Unknown


For more info or to purchase this painting, please email me; roxannesteed@gmail.com

A Llittle Elbow Room; Portmagee Summer Sunset

12"x16" oil on linen mounted on museum quality board (Raymar)

"May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live."
- Irish blessing


Still on the armchair travels to Ireland this week! A little elbow room is the expanse of space I feel standing on Valentia Island looking over to Portmagee. Wild skies, and wilder cliffs, long expanses of green, and this view during the late sunsets of summer is so wonderful, a continual color-show until the sun finally sets (realllllly late by the way!). I also took a 'tongue in cheek' elbow room with stepping up to a much bigger palette knife- a trowel actually, and used it in a more painterly fashion - painting with the 'whole arm' rather than just the wrist. What freedom- a more expressive paint handling (reminding me of how Dan McCaw moves paint with a big brush).

Will try to re-photograph this one tomorrow, I find the larger ones difficult to get accurate color.

A Little Elbow Room; Portmagee Summer Sunset

About This Painting:
Media: oil on Belgian linen mounted on professional artboard
Size: 16 in X 12 in (40.6 cm X 30.5 cm)

How to Purchase:
send me an email

Blissful Baaaah - sold

5"x7" oil on gessoed masonite artboard

"In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs."
- Sir John Pentland Mahaffy


I think this is the first summer I won't make it over to Ireland,after traveling over there for the last five years. But I will be going there in paintings - and sharing more of these visions with you! I have tons of reference photos, notes, sketches & small plein-air paintings that I've make over there to work from along with some truly treasured memories!

When I went over, I never thought I'd be so enchanted by simple sheep! They were honestly as cute as could be. But one day, I took a walk by myself up to Bray Head at the end of Valentia Island. It was quite sunny that morning, and a nice breeze was blowing in off the Atlantic. The sheep and lambs were all in the pastures over looking the sea, they looked happy in the warm sunshine, and I felt,,,mesmerized! My heart rate slowed, I felt a real sense of calm (which I do over there anyway, but even more so). They brought such a smile to my face, as I studied their shapes, their movements, how they lay in the fields. Now I find that I've painted them many times over, and I never get tired of them, they still make me smile!