Winners

[Norah Blount]

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Dee Shanny and Sally Downey for doing us proud at the Virginia Painting festival - Dee won second prize for her beautiful painting and Sally had a highlly commended.  There were close to sixty competitors in the competition including some very well known artists so this is a  brilliant achievement and well deserved.  Sally and Dee have put in so much hard work in getting us all out painting every sat since January this year in all weathers and their enthusiasm is inspiring.  

A big thank you also to Jim McPartland for organising a fabulous weekend in Virginia

Here are a few photos from the weekend -

[Norah Blount]

Sean hoping to get his portrait painted by Vincent Lamb ?

[Norah Blount]

[Norah Blount]

[Plein Eire Administrator]

Well done, Dee ands Sally! And congratulations to Jim and his team in Virginia. I hope Jim or someone will post all the winners and their paintings somewhere here on Plein Eire.

Next up, Brian Boru Festival in Killaloe on 30th June, followed by AITO in Wexford from 30th July.

Not to mention all the plein air workshops, exhibitions and overseas events available.

- Not a moment's rest and a far cry from where we were just 3 years ago.

Thanks, Norah.

[Karen Scannell]

Well done Dee and Sally. Persistence pays off., and well deserved. Looks like the weather was kind to you all too..!!!

[Norah Blount]

Karen hope you can get up here sometime, Virginia was great - such enthusiasm and great painting locations

Karen Scannell said:

Well done Dee and Sally. Persistence pays off., and well deserved. Looks like the weather was kind to you all too..!!!

[Norah Blount]

Hope to get down for a day during your festival Tony - this painting is getting addictive, you are all a great inspiration to us and hope you see you all soon (maybe we should have a plein eire convention one of these years !

[Sally Downey]

Well, Norah, weren't you quick off the mark.  Yes, heartiest congrats to Dee. Her painting was breathtaking.  Indeed you yourself have a terrific painting of a very romantic bridge in a beechwood forest and I hope you will post it for all to see.

Wexford was well represented by Billy Moore an Margaret Kent who both figured in the winners list.

The competition was only an incidental element of the few days.  The fun and painting and the inspiration of the demos were what it was all about.  Big Thank You to Jim McPartlin and his wife and helpers for giving us the opportunity.  Hope it happens again next year.

[Jim Mc Partlin]

My goodness, you guys are quick off the mark with this posting business !

Thank you Nora ! and well done Dee and Sally. I am really delighted with the outcome of our Virginia Plein Air Event. All the hard work is worth it when one gets a response like the one from our overall winner Frances Murray who shrieked with delight when her painting "By the Lake" was judged to be "Best in Show" Having painted with Dee and Sally it was great to see them both doing well with Dee's painting finding a home with one of our judges, Anne Mina. The most gentle of gentlemen, Billy Moore took 3rd. place with the hugely popular watercolour "Arriving in Virginia". I will get to see Billy's painting on a regular basis as it was bought by our local music teacher and musical director of The Virginia Singers. I too loved your "Old Stone Bridge" Nora.

I am sorry that so many painters did not receive a prize but I hope that the participation in the Virginia Plein Air Event has been enjoyable and has given you all the confidence to continue as plein air artists. I want finally to thank Tony Robinson for his generosity and guidance for our event here in Virginia.
Onwards and upwards ! 

[Patrick T Daly]

Congratulations to Dee & Sally. Looks like a fun weekend was had by all.

[Jim Mc Partlin]

Here are some pics from the Exhibition at the Virginia Open Air Art Event

[John Dinan]

Hey Fantastic news about Dee and Sally! I'm delighted to hear about your great results in Virginia. I'm just sorry I couldn't make it. Congrats to Jim and everyone for organising what seemed like a great event. And Norah you did really well too and I love the photo of the mouse !