Painting in Eire

Ireland is SO beautiful!! (That might be the understatement of the year.) We toured the southwest region on our late summer trip and explored such areas as the Dingle Peninsula, part of the Ring of Kerry, Killarny, Kinsale and Old Head, and many more delightful places. It actually didn't rain so very much but was still a little brisk for my "fair weather painting preference."  Only once was the timing and weather just right to set up and paint plein air. More about that later. The other two paintings were done in our lodging room with photo reference taken a day or two earlier. 

St Finbarr's Oratory 8x10 oil on panel (from photo reference)

​Off the beaten path...as in 'out in the middle of nowhere'...sits this beautiful little church, on it's own little island in Gougane Barra Lake. St Finbarr's Oratory, founded in the 6th century, is surrounded by incredible natural beauty and a deep sense of holiness, enhanced by the Holy Well nearby and the circular Stations of the Cross with small recesses called chapels. 

I was so torn, wanting to set up my paints and wanting to walk and explore the area. The wind and some spitting raindrops convinced me that the best choice was to go in and have some hot coffee and fresh pastry in the little tea shop down the road. Good thing, too, because there was a brief, but torrential, downpour!

Meeting of the Waters 8x10 oil on panel (from photo reference)

Sometimes ambitious day walks pay off in big ways! We took a very long walk just outside of Killarny, visiting the abbey ruins, edging Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, crossing Brickeen Bridge through native forest. Most people do this on bicycle or take a boat from Killarny. I confess, there were moments of envy when someone casually pedaled past, especially after mile 3. We stopped for a well-earned lunch at Dinis Cottage (yay!) and then discovered a tiny trail leading through some thick woods with a little sign saying "meeting of the waters"...where the Upper Lake flows into Muckross Lake. Oh my! It was so lovely!! ​

Outgoing Irish Tide (Barrow Bay) 8x10 oil on panel (plein air)

Finally there came a day when all the stars aligned... as in the sun shining, handy transportation, supportive travel mates, and an amazing locale. It is really true that painting from life, plein air, brings it's own magic. I stood on the rocky, muddy shore as the tide went out, felt the heat of the sun, the breeze off the water; heard the squidgy pops of whatever lives under the mud and entered that zone where time passes without notice. When the painting said 'enough' and I returned to earth my canvas shoes were soaked and I was so happy.

---

There is a passel of photos in my painting queue from our trip to Ireland. Five are already started so stay tuned. I'll post the finished products in the next few weeks.

​Thank you so much for reading!!