Just a Couple Spots Left for the Ireland Sketchbook Tour in September

 "I dreamt I reached the Irish shore

and felt my heart rebound

From wall to wall within my breast,

as I trod that holy ground....

- Thomas D'Arcy McGee (1825-1868)

 This week, through May 31st, Aer Lingus is running air fare specials (at rates I haven't seen since before the recession!). Now is a GREAT time to book your flight, AND - plan to join us on my Ireland Sketchbook Tour class!  
My website has more details about the trip here. Our host's website to register is right here.

 Our host, Barbara Mastaglio, is an Irish American who spends time in each place during the year. Her Irish home is on Valentia Island, where we will stay in a neighboring B&B as our home base. The rolling hills are dotted with Irish cottages, sheep and cattle - idyllic views for painters! With the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Dingle Bay to our north, mainland of Ireland to the East, and the lovely fishing village of Portmagee directly across the channel to the south - we have spectacular views in ALL directions! 

 If you are a fan of beach-combing, we'll have an opportunity for that as well! There are several places to scoop up some interesting finds for sketching.

Nothing says it better than pictures though. I'm hoping you'll click through to the ValentiaArt website to see what our views are like! 

On our trip, you will learn to simplify the VAST Irish landscape to fit onto your sketchbook page. You'll learn the simple practices of sketchbook keeping enriched with watercolor washes - and bring this practice back home to your creative life. 

Create journal pages as unique as your own handwriting. I will show you how to enhance your drawings with creative page layouts and journal entries, as well as a bit of mixed media. If you think 'you can't draw', I will teach you! You'll be inspired and encouraged! 

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. 

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)!