Back From Dublin

I just got back from a 3 day trip to Dublin. It was such a great three days. Absolutely packed with gorgeous art, splendid food, laughter and Murphy's Ice Cream. The weather was beautiful, and I really enjoyed exploring Culture Night on Friday. I didn't take many photos, but I'll upload the few I have.

Today was another great studio day. After working aimlessly for hours and staying late, I had an artistic epiphany. Finally! I hope this epiphany leads to something good. Because I didn't take any photos, I'm uploading some from days before that never made it onto the blog.

This is the hill we hiked up on Saturday. It's much, much, much taller than it looks. Never-ending limestone.

Studio Day

I think today was the first day since being here that I finally felt everything begin to click. My painting process flowed naturally, I was inspired by the books I read and information I researched, and ideas started to form in my mind. Hoping this flow doesn't stop.

Elizabeth, if you read this, that painting on the bottom left IS the result of one of those Skype screen-shots. There may be more to come. Haha.

A few snapshots from Saturday

some iPhone photos from today

Today I decided to get some exercise and walk to school. The path to school took me through fields of curious cows and stinging nettles, mysterious and dark patches of hazel forest, barren stretches of unmarked limestone, and through a narrow stretch of grass between ripe blackberry bushes and a farmer's electric fence (good balance was crucial during this stretch). 

I stopped to play with two friendly dogs, and hurried past a yard of unfriendly greyhounds that almost reminded me of Scout. As I found my way back to the main road, I looked up and saw a castle in the distance. It occurred to me that that castle is my school and how very lucky I am to be living here. 

Then, 7 hours later I absolutely had to get out of the studio, so I took a walk up the hill and photographed some of the scenery. It was beautiful.

I took a walk to clear my head yesterday evening as the sun was starting to set. I turned around at one point to find this hill completely illuminated by the sun. It was surreal and beautiful. I know the photo doesn't capture how spectacular the moment was, but I tried.