We had sunshine today. Ahhhh.
Thank you all for the great emails and comments! Even though I'm with some very nice people, it's wonderful to hear from friends.
Today I hit the ground running. The first painting of the day was of a fellow named Christopher McCaughan. I'm guessing Chris is in his late 50's and he entertained us royally. He sang us Irish songs as well as some from Elvis, Merle Haggard, Donavan and Dylan. He recited poetry, expounded on politics and told stories. Rob came by twice, a minute each, during the portrait with advice on my painting. I wasn't thrilled with the lighting we had for the portrait- a skylight and a white wall behind his head, but I did my best. I'll try to post a photo of the portrait when I get a better one.
Chris McCaughlin
Robert Liberace
After the morning session, we had a lunch of shepherd's pie. Mmmm. And then I had slivers of two dessert pies- apple and rhubarb- with real fresh cream to pour over them. Gracious.
Ballycastle
Then off we went to paint at the beach. We got separated from the main group somehow but some of us settled around the marina in Ballycastle and I tried to paint my first boat. I was in a perfect place with warm air, cool breezes, nice shade, good company and the occasional visit from curious passers-by. You will not be seeing that painting, however. It stinks to high heaven. Bad boat. Bad, bad boat. Here's a picture of how cute it could have been.
Right as we were winding down the temperature dropped, so we scurried into a little cafe, had hot tea and swapped stories.
We returned to Limepark, I had a video call with my folks via instant messenger (love that), and then hurried to the studio to paint an 18 year old boy named Patrick. Finally- a fairly successful, quick painting. I'd been so thoroughly humbled by the boat experience, I really needed Patrick.
Tomorrow I think we're going sketching at Giant's Causeway. Right now I've got the cottage to myself and enjoying my music on the iPod player. It's almost midnight. It's been a good day. I'll write again soon!
Susan
10 comments:
Hi Susan, I am so glad you are posting and keeping us updated. Sounds wonderful. I love this portrait, fantastic light on him. Can't wait until you get back and we get to hear all about it. Stay safe
Great portrait. I see that next to the pink home is a gate just like the one from yesterday.
I agree, great portrait. Looks like wonderful country there. Would like to visit some day.
Thanks so much for keeping us posted.
wow three paintings in one day! You'll be worn out after your holiday and have to come home for a rest. Great to hear you are having a wonderful time.
Thanks, Ya'll, for leaving comments. They're like precious letters from home. I feel SOOO far away from all things familiar. I wish I could reply individually, but that will have to wait until my return....
XXXOOO
Susan, I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying your visit to Ireland. It all sounds very familiar to me...most of our population came from Ireland originally and some of the customs and traditions still continue. Nice paintings!
Susan...my first post to your journal. Am enjoying your journaling of trip to Ireland. I can't imagine a portrait being done in such a short time, but I guess it is possible if you are good. I'm sure your boat was much better than you say. Glad you're having such a good time.
Wow! I'm impressed you're packing so much into a day, and still can come up with such a beautiful portrait at the end of the day. (you just needed to get the boats out of your system!)lol.
Great photos.
I can't tell you why, but I find boats VERY DIFFICULT!! Probably because I paint what I THINK a boat should look like instead of the shape I see.
Glad you're having such a fun packed trip!!
Susan, Thanks for letting us "travel" with you on this wonderful trip through your posts and photos..all absolutely beautiful. Looking forward to MORE!
Post a Comment