Blog

SORRY - just realized I can't add pictures here.  Email me at [email protected] if you would like an illustrated version of this posting.  

Dublin’s Plein Air

Joined a lovely group of artists in this third-year event.  Irish artist Paul D’Arcy and his family did an excellent job organizing a great event….including the weather!  Only had to get the rain slickers out once – in Skerries, a seaside town with large tides, fishing boats, and great sea food.

 I did not attend any of the workshops, but still picked up ideas and improved my craft.  I explored different underpainting (see the warmth of the Farmleigh gardens painting) and a played with vermillion tones which add vibrancy.

There are great photos of the event on the Dublin Plein Air Facebook page.  I feel like a star.  Perhaps my painting outfits crafted over the years and a yellow flower in my hat help me be photogenic while concentrating on painting.  My favourite is the two-umbrella style honed at the 12^th Lock Blanchardstown.  SORRY - just realized I can't add pictures here.  Email me at [email protected] if you would like an illustrated version of this posting.

I bought aluminum panels to try.  They are slippery.  One gentleman sands and primes with gesso like wood panels.  More experimentation is needed but I was happy with the 8” x 8” at the lock and 12” x 12” Donate Surf painting.  Both have some of the silver showing through adding a light quality.

Our painting sites were varied and lovely.  Not only have the Irish people been charming, they have been most helpful.  I have toured enjoying the crazy driving in the country side.

Soon it is on to Wexford – billed as the largest Plein Air event in Europe. 

Smiles,    Margaret