Ireland Is Calling – Art Inspiration on The Emerald Isle

Pretty soon I’ll be heading out to Ballinglen Art Foundation https://www.ballinglenartsfoundation.org/ in Ireland for my 5 week artist’s residency. I’m excited and almost packed. My intention is to write a post once a week as a journal with photos (but you know the old saying about roads paved with good intentions!). So if you aren’t a subscriber yet you can sign up on my web page. I’m offering a 10% discount on all my art to new subscribers. You’ll see a pop-up subscribe form and the discount will be sent to you. If you are rolling your eyes at the thought of yet, another newsletter, please be assured. I promise to not be spammy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

My biggest dilemma for the trip to Ireland is what to pack. I’ve packed an assortment of acrylic paints, a few brushes, pastels and rolled high quality art paper. I’ve ordered some more art supplies from Jackson’s in England. They are now waiting for me at the Art Foundation office in Ballycastle, County Mayo. My tendency is to over-pack and 2nd guess what I’ll need. I keep reminding myself that they have stores in Ireland right? So stuff goes in the suitcase and the next day gets pulled out. I was lucky to speak to a couple of artists who have done this residency. They gave me useful hints about art supplies. Now I have to decide about clothing! I need some studio clothing. This is easy because at least half of my closet is something with splatters of paint. But we (Ian is coming with me) are renting bicycles and plan on hiking too. So the conundrum poses itself to me in staring at one checked bag and one carry on. Help!

I have some new work finished and in progress. Spending time creating art has taught me that I’m really, really good at starting new stuff. I guess it’s the excitement of a new adventure. Who doesn’t love that? The allure of the unknown. I love the freedom of a fresh canvas, using new colour combinations along with new ideas. That’s part of who I am. But I am slightly shifting that to allow room for deeper exploration of a theme or an intention. I’ve been working on a series called On The Edge of The Pond. I just completed #8 as a commission (which was a new and daunting challenge in itself). The intention of the series was to paint the essence of small patches of water in nature. Why? It’s important to me to remember to practice mindfulness whenever I’m out in nature. I want to stop and really look at one small bit of water. I want to see the patterns of foliage. I want to observe the various fungi, lichens, and moss. I find being more mindful makes the whole experience more enjoyable. And the bonus is that I get ideas for my art making. Here’s the commission piece now hanging in the owner’s home:

Now back to packing. Let me know in the comments if you have suggestions for packing. What should I take for an art residency? Share your best sight to see in Ireland.

Best, Elaine