November 16
Another day in Dublin. Started with the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Next Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Blessed with another sunny day. Charmed by the generosity of Irish people.
Long Room at Trinity College
Flowers on the street
HIGHLIGHT of the day. Orchestra rehearsing for a concert at St. Patricks' Cathedral.
November 17
Caught a glimpse of blue in my bedroom skylight. Up and out to return to Benwee. Forty minute drive west from Ballycastle. The light shifted several times while I painted.
Windy, chilly but sun hung around for four oil sketches
top sketch - view to my left
Drove a mile south to the beach to try a few more sketches. Encountered a border collie (Sam) who did not like the idea of Tulip going by his house.
Sam kept trying to herd the car - or bite the tire. Hard to tell sitting in the car. Went to house and owner called him inside.
sketch for oil on right side
Beach was behind me. (sketch on left)
November 18
It's the weekend- but hard to tell when every day is like living in paradise. Decided to take a walk early in the morning and enjoy the changes in the sky. Walked to the beach, down a few county roads, then back to town. You can't get lost here. Distance sounds-ocean, roosters and even a donkey.
7:47am
8:13am
8:38am
Dogs greeted me when I returned. They were just too busy to pose for me.
Saturday evening, four of us went to an art opening at the Claremorris Gallery in Claremorris, Ireland. The gallery was celebrating its 10th anniversary. Several of the artists were Ballinglen Fellows. Here is a group of the featured artists, with gallery owner. My favorite piece was a nice watercolor/graphite on paper by Barrie Cooke - seen here on the wall to the right.
At the end of the gallery opening, the space turned into a dance hall with cocktails at the bar. The band was playing "Sweet Georgia Brown" as we headed out the door.
Closing the day with images (below) that I did late morning - Back on the beach at Bunatrahir Bay.
November 19
Spent the morning walking at Lacken Strand then back to meet artist friends for lunch at Mary's Cottage. ( I eat there everyday!) Decided to head to Belderrig around 4PM for a quick view. Took my paints but started raining when I drove down to water. Got a chance to do a few graphite studies before it turned dark.
My view driving away from the beach. Rather spooky the whole way back to Ballycastle