December 4
Do you have a particular landscape memory - one that has stayed with you since childhood? Is "beauty" defined by what is comforting and familiar to you? I know that my love of the salt marsh is my holding on to memories of Sea & Ski on my nose, watching my parents and brothers swim and fish at Pawleys Island, SC every summer. I remember with fondness - slugging through the pluff mud in the marshes. I could still hear the ocean roar over the dunes, but here....life was a little quieter and in some ways more mysterious. It was a joyous time for a child.
Certainly, this residency has awakened that child in me again—a chance to feel exhilarated by a new relationship with the edge of the sea. When I get out of the car at Bunatrahir Bay, the salt air shouts welcome to me. I tried a few paintings around 4:30 but the light was dropping fast. Bats were flying over my head while the seaweed moved in mysterious ways on the water's edge. I finished these in the dark.
December 5
I have been sketching sheep of late - while enjoying my muesli and tea at the breakfast table. (Back home, I would be working my way through a New Yorker article)
I am intrigued by these sheep. In fields along the highway, they look like cotton candy - with their backs sprayed painted pink and blue - markings made by their owners. When walking along the road, you will get a few stares but then they quickly retreat. I am charmed by their personalities – once you take the time to stare back closely.
Definitely on a learning curve here! And - I am sure this drawing exercise is all about feeling closer to something four-legged. Missing my girl pups.
December 6
Took at ride over the Sligo about 1.5 hours from Ballycastle. ( December 5th afternoon )
Wanted to visit The Model – contemporary art center and the spend some time with Yates family. John Yeats, the father was trained as a barrister but became a painter. (much to his wife’s dismay) As we all know the sons are Ireland's treasures - W. B. Yeats and Jack Yeats, (painter). Sisters, Lilly and Lolly, were entrepreneurs in the printing business.
When we arrived at the Yeats House, (sponsored by the Yeats Society), a delightful volunteer toured us through the exhibit with interesting tidbits about the family. We even got to see a room - under lock and key- that displayed an original drawing of Mrs. Yeats by her husband. It was found in the attic in a box of discarded papers. (I have sketches on my mind these days)
Decided to spend the night and enjoy the town - walking along the streets, visiting shops in search of holiday gifts. Stayed at the Glass House Hotel that hugs the Garavoge River. Ended the night at Shoot the Crows, listening to music.
The next day we visited Drumcliff to see W. B. Yeat’s grave. The church was buzzing with folks as they finished the decorations for the Festival of Trees, created by non-profit organizations in the area. The holiday spirit was in the air. Here's my favorite by The Samaritans -painted shoe boxes!
December 7
Early morning, the wind rattled the windows in the cottage And then the temperature dropped. No outside painting today. Had planned on exploring cloud formations so put my easel on the glassed-in porch. (My studio has no windows) Selected Bela Bartok as my companion as i watched the skies move across the hills and ocean. Of course I have been in awe of the clouds for weeks, but I had not really studied them. ( except for a few attempts during a storm)
The more I painted, the more I realized that the land and water was not important to the composition. I look forward to doing more exercises. And more looking!
After a late lunch at Mary's, the wind continued to blow and by dark, sleet had started to fall. We decided to build a fire and stay in for the evening. As I sauteed garlic and green beans, sleet came through the fan over the stove. This holiday cottage was built more for a solstice in June than in December. But we rose to the occasion. A little plastic and masking tape can do wonders. Still need to keep your coat on in the kitchen.
