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. 

My Finest Summer-ACEO-Day 5-#jan30in30

3.5"x2.5"

Click here to bid!

 

Just thinking back on favorite days from previous summers, and there was one particularly sweet afternoon. We end up working in the yard/garden during the summer weekends, as it's a really beautiful place to be.  Hubby had cut some of the random foxglove flowers that had popped up in the garden and had put them in the watering can on the front porch.  This man not only brings me flowers, he grows the special ones that I love....that no florist can provide!

 

For those of you not familiar with the acronym ACEO, it stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals.  The miniature paintings are the size of a baseball trading card, 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  This category of art has become increasingly popular on eBay the last couple of years.  These can be displayed on their own, or with a tiny little easel (like the kind you can find in Michaels Arts & Crafts type stores) on a display shelf, or these beautiful gems can be elegantly matted and framed with perhaps a mat of 4 inches wide. 

Foxglove Flowery Front Porch Welcome

8"x8" oil on cradled hardwood panel

"The purpose of painting is to lift the veil of mystery into consciousness."
- Henry Hensche

What a sweet life when there are flowers in it. When they are left on the porch by your husband, it's even sweeter! Lucky for me, I married a guy who loves to garden...in a big way. Maybe it's because he was away at sea for most of our lives. But whatever the reason, I love it, and frankly, he knows it gives me a lot to paint!

Contact me to purchase this painting - roxannesteed@gmail.com