 So this painting (inspired by my time at the retreat in Kerry), is
winging it's way to New York, where I drew my first breath many years ago. Hopefully it will still be on display there long after I draw my last. 'Like footprints in the sand....we leave our mark upon the earth'  ,
One of my new paintings entitled 'Glendalough' will be on show at the Beaufield Mews 'New Beginnings' Exhibition from May the 24th. I am a frequent walker in Glendalough and have passed this spot many times over the years, thinking to myself that these stone jetties would make a great subject to paint. Although they are no longer in use as working jetties they are still strong and beautiful structures that have stood up against the inclement Irish weather and the test of time. Years ago the lake was busy with small boat excursions, and visitors were able to travel to the opposite shore to get a closer look at St. Kevin's Bed. St. Kevin is an Irish saint, known as the founder and first abbot of Glendalough and St. Kevin's bed is a small man made cave where legend has it Kevin made his home. 'Copper' is a new piece that I will be exhibiting in the Beaufield Mews 'New Beginnings' Exhibition from May 24th.   The Sail by Joaquin Sorolla. I visited the artist's house which has been converted into a
museum to honour his life and works. He is one of my favourite artists and I love his use of colour to evoke feelings of warmth and light in his paintings. If you ever visit Madrid then the Sorolla Museum is definitely worth a visit. The gardens and house are beautiful themselves.  I always listen to music when painting. If I am painting detail or something gentle I usually listen to classical music or laid back folk or guitar music. If I'm feeling more energetic or working on something a bit 'looser' then I listen to electronic or house music. I prefer music without lyrics as the words tend to distract me from my painting. This photo is of my time at the Cill Railiag art retreat in Kerry, west of Ireland. The studio cottages are close to each other and I thought it best not to upset the neighbours ...hence the headphones which I don't normally wear.  I took this photo from the front door of my studio cottage at the Cill Railiag art retreat
in Kerry. The scenery around us was stunning. Irish landscapes can look amazing even in dull and wet weather but when the sun shines there is no more beautiful and vibrant place that I can think of. This scene was at the end of a glorious day.  Just a quick reminder that I will be exhibiting
at The Schoolhouse Gallery, Enniskerry on Friday from 7 to 9, and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5. Many other pieces from local artists will be on show also so drop in to see the work and the newly modelled gallery. I will be exhibiting some new paintings alongside the work of 19 other local artists at The Schoolhouse Gallery's Annual Group Exhibition in Enniskerry next weekend. From 7 to 9 pm on Friday 9th and from 12 to 5 pm on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th. Hope you can drop by to see the new pieces and sample the atmosphere in the revamped gallery.   Some days are good...some not so good...and sometimes a good thing comes to you when you really need it, and believe me...I needed it! This was an email today.......Dear Tom, The Board of Directors are delighted to award you a residency at the Cill Rialaig Retreat. You will be assigned your own cottage for seven days, which has a studio/living space with a small kitchen area, a shower room, sleeping loft with a double bed and electric storage heating.
The studio retreats are located in the restored ruins of the pre-famine village, Cill Rialaig, in a wild and remote landscape situated on the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Seven studios are occupied by artists and writers, and an eighth cottage, Tigh an Comhrá (Gaelic for “house of conversation”) or Meeting House offers a place for residents to gather or enjoy a rich library. And it's free of charge. Can't wait for February! |