A little stirring...

Maybe because Spring is here and the clocks have gone forward but I am back in my studio a little, not painting yet but pasting a bit, here are some little pieces I have done.

Patchwork

Sometimes I don't feel like painting, well more often than I like to admit really, I can have a creative block or just a fear of getting started, not knowing what I want to do. Although over the years I realize that its only by beginning that I can overcome that, work generates idea and thus more work. It has been a while since I've been in the studio. I am happiest when creating, so while I'm going through a painting void I find my other interests come to the fore. I have been doing a little sewing. I love all the fat quarters and the array of beautiful fabrics now available for patchwork and crafting. I don't have the patience for a long term project. I have an unfinished quilt sitting in a wardrobe for 30 years! Imagine, the original fabric I started with is no longer available, but more of that another time Here is a cushion I made during the week and another I have started using up all my little scraps, I hate wasting even the smallest piece of fabric. We have a wonderful Quilt shop shop in Tuam, well worth checking out if you are close by.

Maybe now I can put the sewing machine away and take out the paints:)

Beautiful Ballinahinch

I always think that Connemara looks its best this time of year, the light on a good day is far sharper than it is during the summer, the shadows are more pronounced and the mountains can be that special "Paul Henry blue " I was in Ballynahinch Castle  last Sunday and it was beautiful, it is a luxuary Hotel that has recently changed ownership and has under gone some refurbishment but thankfully they have not altered its character and have improved many of the wonderful walks around the grounds. Here are some pictures I took on one of the walks.

Restoration Project

Old pharmacy drawer run.
I love old furniture, the craftsmanship and durability of it, and if the piece has drawers then I'm in heaven. What is it about drawers that are so appealing? secret hiding places or the idea that we can file and order out bits and bobs? I was fortunate enough to acquire an authentic very old " drawer run" from a pharmacy. It is in need of allot of T.L.C. but I feel the effort and work will be more than worth it. Here is a picture of it in situ before I brought it home.

When I got it home I realized that it is in 3 separate pieces one on top of another, so now its not so daunting because when I complete a 3rd of it I will  have a finished piece, I have already decided where I am putting it in my house. I bought a little sander, paint stripper, turps and linseed oil, and watched lots of videos on you-tube, some good and others not so good so I'm ready to start. I'm hoping to clean a few drawers every week that way I'll have it done by May, I will get a local carpenter to fix the damaged pieces and I hope to put it on legs so that the drawers will be at eye level. I'll keep you posted of my progress.

Art book

I made another little art book in the same style as the one I made for A.L.A.W.2013. I feel I should add some text to it but am unsure as to what will be suitable.

Rain rain and more rain!

It has rained so much since Christmas, thankfully our land has not flooded but much land is under water causing hardship to both man and animals. Here are some pictures I took last week in Co. Mayo

Near Kilmaine Co.Mayo

This last photograph I hope to use as a starting point for a painting or rather an ink piece on canvas, it already looks like blobbed ink if you squint at it.

Istagram

I have just discovered Istagram, its such fun, here are some of my pictures.