Castletown mill & bridge in May

The weather during the Covid19 lock down has been beautiful. The fresh greens of May are a joy to see. I think this large plein air painting of the mill in Castletown shows off spring at her finest.

Castletown mill - oil on canvas (60cm X 80cm)

Work in progress

Ballyfin Demense

Ballyfin House - Oil on canvas (60cm X 80cm)

This is beautiful Ballyfin House in its stunning setting. What struck me about this view is the fabulous clear spring light.  Another painting completed during the Covid lockdown.

Plein air during lockdown

Blazing dawn at Kilbricken - (12" x 16") Oil on canvas

On a recent early morning walk near home I saw this fabulous sunrise. I decided to try capture it.

Turning Heads - Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Turning Heads - oil on canvas (30" X 24")

 The idea for this painting came from the instinctive and hormonal reaction of some of the teenage lads to the girls about to cross their path. I just had to attempt to capture that moment.

Detail

Aghaboe Abbey - recent commission

Aghaboe Abbey - Oil on canvas (50cm x 70cm)

This commission was painted from a series of plein air drawings made at the Abbey.  In recent times conservation work has been carried out to protected the Abbey for the future.  I have very fond memories of play around the ruins as a child.

Cherub at Colby Woodland Gardens

This is a little study of a statue at Colby Woodland gardens, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Cherub at Colby Woodland gardens - oil on canvas panel (12" x 16")

More from holiday in Wales - Pendine & Marros

View of Pendine - oil sketch on canvas panel (12" x 16")

St. Lawrences church Marros - Plein air oil study on canvas panel (12" x 16")

Resting gardener statue at Colby Woodland Gardens near Amroth

 Here a pair of early morning oil studies made during our recent holidays in Carmathenshire / Pembrokeshire area. Just included the pencil sketch as a reminder of our visit to beautiful Colby Woodland Gardens.

Dylan Thomas pilgrimage - Laugharne Carmarthenshire

Laugharne Castle early morning - oil on canvas panel (18" x 26")

Dylan Thomas Boathouse Laugharne - oil on canvas panel (14" x 18")

View of Taf estuary into Carmarthen Bay - oil on canvas panel (12" x 16")

The Grist - oil on canvas panel (12" x 16")

This group of early morning plein air oil sketches of Laugharne were complete over last week. Beautiful summer weather made it easy to get out early. Setting up my easel before 6.30am and working until 9am meant that I had to paint quickly. Laugharne is a beautiful place with friendly local people. I can see why Dylan Thomas kept coming back to the town.

Watching the world go by - O'Connell bridge Dublin

Watching the world go by - O'Connell bridge mid afternoon late January. Oil on canvas panel (14" x 18")

This painting started life as a dull cityscape sketch of Dublin lacking any real vibrancy or energy. The addition of people with all their concerns gives the spark that makes the city live. What is a city without its people but a shell of brick & mortar.

Banna beach oil sketch

This plein air oil sketch of Banna beach was painted during a recent family break in Kerry. The weather was warm & sunny even though it is only April. It was a bit of a job to keep my tripod and easel from blowing over as there was a strong onshore breeze.

View of Banna beach - oil on canvas panel (12" x 16")

Of Castles & Kings

Here is a little oil sketch painted at a recent artists informal evening paint in. With thanks to artist Kevin McCann for the reference photo.

Of Castles & Kings - oil on canvas panel (12" X 16")

First plein air sketch of the year

Friday 1st March was a beautiful warm spring  morning so I decided to take my plein air gear outside for some painting. I spent about three hours or so on this oil sketch of a view that I have painted many times before. The time passed quickly as I chatted with people who were out for a stroll. By lunchtime heavy rain had started so it was time to pack up and head home. While the painting wasn't as finished as I would like, it is always great to paint outside as it clears the cobwebs and of course you have to cope with the changing mood of the Irish weather.

Bridge & Mill at Castletown - oil on canvas panel (14" X 18")