Nature has been a timeless source of inspiration for artists throughout history. The world around us is a treasure trove of colors, shapes, and patterns waiting to be translated onto your watercolor paper.
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
The historic, four-star Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry (Ireland) will host a spring flower inspired botanical watercolour painting workshop from the 6 th to the 9 th of March 2022. The three -night package is called ‘Watercolour Painting Escape with Mary’ and costs from €470 per person sharing. The residential course is headed up by renowned watercolour artist, Mary Dillon (right) and includes three nights bed and breakfast with a full Irish Breakfast each morning and one evening meal. Guests will check in on Sunday, 6 th of March and that evening will enjoy welcome drinks and an introduction to the course by Mary Dillon. This wonderful residential painting workshop also includes a farewell table d’hôte dinner in the stunning 2 AA Herbert Restaurant on Tuesday evening . Over the course of the workshop the participants will learn how to bring the majesty and colour of spring flowers to life on paper, all the while being tutored in the art of watercolour. No painting experience is necessary and all materials will be provided including colours, brushes, palettes, watercolour paper and drawing boards. This fabulous experience will include two and half days of painting in the elegant Drawing Room in Cahernane House Hotel which overlooks the hotel’s mature gardens and Killarney National Park.
Mary Dillon is passionate about painting and plants and she has gained an international reputation as an artist and tutor. She is a member of the Watercolour Society of Ireland and was the founding Chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists. Her painting, ‘Black Parrot Tulip’ was chosen as the signature image for the exhibition, ‘Drawn From Nature’ which was held recently in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Mary will guide you through simple drawing and painting techniques to help you to capture the essence of your chosen subject. If you already have some experience, she will work with you to enhance your skills and increase your competence. Each day you will learn, practice, and apply the skills required to create your own botanical watercolour painting.
Speaking in advance of the Botanical Painting Workshop at Cahernane, Mary said, “ during our workshop we will slow down, taking time to really look at the bright, fresh and vibrant colours of the changing seasons. We will learn simple techniques to accurately draw plants by observing their structures and shapes. Learning to look for light and shade will bring life to your drawing and painting. Having learned how to find just the right colour mix for your painting we will use first wet and then dry watercolour painting techniques. painting fine detail and layering colours. While learning to capture the beauty of spring bulbs, this will also be a wonderful opportunity to experience painting and nature in a mindful and relaxed atmosphere.”
Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this spring. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing and creative getaway. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘The gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.
Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. The Coach House Bedrooms have all been decorated in vibrant colours and the soft furnishings and wallpapers have been inspired by the flora of Kerry and its famous wildflowers.
Cahernane House Hotel is well known for its fantastic food which is created by the Executive Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team. The Cellar Bar serves casual food daily while fine dining is offered in the Herbert Restaurant.
For more information on Cahernane House Hotel or to book the Watercolour Escape with Mary Dillon see www.cahernane.com or call +353 (0) 64 663 1895.
press release
Cherry Blossom Spring Watercolour
Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring with a watercolour workshop. We’ll be inspired by the beauty of the season with sheep, cherry blossoms and all things spring. So let’s grab our brushes and let the colours flow onto our paper, creating a masterpiece that captures the essence of this magical time of year.
Adult workshop: ages 15+
Family Workshop: ages 6+
Children ages 6-12 must be joined by an adult participant who is also registered in the workshop.
Painting time: 1-1.5 hours
As you would expect, it is really hard to know exactly how much time you will need. Every artist is different and often you may want to practice a bit before making your final piece.
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- REGISTRATION
- AT THE WORKSHOPS
- ARTWORK PICKUP
- CLAY & GLAZING
- OVEN-BAKE CLAY
Sometimes things happen …
- Sometimes clay breaks, it just does—pieces fall off
- Sometimes things move in the kiln and there may be a mark on your piece
- Sometimes glaze doesn’t behave as expected
- Sometimes art takes more time than you may think
- Sometimes instructors get ill, and we need to run with less staff than planned
- Sometimes it takes a while to find the information from a gift card from many years ago
- A child will cry, be loud or not listen. They do that. They are all good. Parents are trying their best
- You will need to follow the templates and sizing, too big means more kiln or storage space, too small means likely to get lost
- If you don’t write your first and last name and the date clearly on your piece, expect for it to get lost or mistakenly picked up by another with the same name
- Adults—The workshops are for fun and social time. It is not a replacement for art school.
- Sometimes we have to dispose of artwork if it is not picked up within 2 weeks
- Sometimes it may take a minute or two to find your art piece
- Sometimes there are mixups
- Sometimes your name may get covered in the firing process
- We will fire things in the kiln as quickly as we possibly can. We need a full load to run the kiln and sometimes things need extra time to dry before they can be placed in the kiln or they will explode
- Sometimes clay explodes.
- Art supply costs are really high, rent is high, shipping is high, overhead is high, if you miss your workshop or call day of your booking to cancel, the space was still set aside for you and we cannot offer a refund or credit.
- We are unable to offer refund, credit, or make up session in the event of clay breakage.
- You will need to make just the maximum number of pieces when we specify.
- If you overwork the clay or add too much water it will cave in or crack. Follow the time guidelines and instructions as best you can.
- If you have never done art before, you will need to practice and accept it won’t be perfect on your first try. Come back many times, practice and enjoy the process.
- If you don’t write your first and last name and the date clearly on your piece, expect for it to get lost or mistakenly picked up by another with the same nameIf you are late, yes, it will feel like there was not enough time.
You are welcome to book glaze multiple items at a time. Glazing time is priced as workshops. You can glaze more than one piece during your glazing booking, time permitting. Maximum 2 dip glazing pieces per hour of booked studio time in order to cover glazing and kiln costs.
For example, if you book an hour glazing, and can finish glazing 2 pieces from 2 different building or throwing sessions in that hour glazing session—that is great!
Please understand in order to cover professional glaze and second firing costs we are not able to credit or refund unused time if you are able to finish glazing early.
Yes, $17 per piece plus tax if you would like us to glaze your clay for you. This is not available for hand glazed, decorative pieces.
Finding Inspiration from Art History
Art history is a rich tapestry of creativity, showcasing the genius of countless artists who have come before us. Delve into the works of the masters for inspiration.
- Study Famous Artists: Explore the works of renowned watercolor artists and painters from other mediums. Analyze their techniques, color choices, and compositions to gain insights into your own practice.
- Art Movements: Dive into various art movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, or Surrealism. Each movement offers distinct styles and ideas that can be incorporated into your work.
- Reinterpretation: Put your unique spin on famous artworks or themes. Reinterpretation allows you to breathe new life into timeless classics.
The Journey of Creative Discovery
Cultivating your creative mind is an ongoing journey filled with exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. Inspiration can be found in the everyday, in the beauty of nature, and in the echoes of art history. The key is to remain open, curious, and receptive to the world around you.
As you embark on your creative endeavors, remember that the process itself is as valuable as the end result. Creativity is not confined to the canvas; it’s a way of seeing, experiencing, and celebrating life in all its beauty and complexity.
So, let your creative spirit soar, and may your watercolor journey be infused with boundless inspiration!
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- Watercolor Ideas For Beginners
- Tags creativity, ideas for painting, inspiration, watercolor painting
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