The passion in Irish landscape painting

[nina mateyunas]

What is is that drives the Irish artist to paint? Is it the amazing scenery of Ireland? Or is it the unusual light that I notice in so many plein air paintings done there? My family is 3rd generation Irish (attempting the long involved citizenship process) I find the Irish landscape irresistible for some unknown reason. Oh yes, I just love the green hills and rocky walls that run across distant views, but there is something more I think that must be in the blood. I remember the favorite stories my grandmother would tell of the 'Old Country', and her consuming desire to be taken 'back home'.  The closest thing here in my experience is the somewhat similar landscape in Gilboa, NY, with long rock walls that criss-cross the land, and except for the trees, you might think you were there in Ireland. We bought a plot of land there, and I just love visiting. It's a remote and quiet place high up in the hills where you can hear cows lowing in the morning and coyotes at night. So, I guess this discussion would cover any comments on what exactly appeals to the Irish plein air artist, and what is the passion behind the artwork?

[Norah Blount]

Lovely to read what inspires you, I suppose I paint the Irish landscape because it is home so easy to get to ! I love the west coast, especially Connemara - there is something special there, a feeling of time and the landscape makes me feel so insignificant  - it inspires me to make the most of each day and capture some if it on canvas.  

[Tony Robinson]

Have you been over to Ireland to paint, Nina?

[nina mateyunas]

Thank you Norah,

     All I know is that Co.Clare is on the West side of Ireland, and that it must be like you describe.  Painting for a week or two there would be wonderful.

Norah Blount said:

Lovely to read what inspires you, I suppose I paint the Irish landscape because it is home so easy to get to ! I love the west coast, especially Connemara - there is something special there, a feeling of time and the landscape makes me feel so insignificant  - it inspires me to make the most of each day and capture some if it on canvas.  

[nina mateyunas]

Hello Tony,

     Never. Not even to visit... Someday I hope! Have you ever been to Co. Clare? or the west coast?, if so, do you have any completed paintings from that part of the country?

Tony Robinson said:

Have you been over to Ireland to paint, Nina?

[Tony Robinson]

Hi Nina.

I've travelled most of the west of Ireland but not painted there. Usually its been family holidays when my kids were young while my interest in painting outside has only emerged in the last 6 or 7 years. There's no dispute it is spectacularly beautiful, although there's an old Kerry joke that when you can see the top of the mountain, its a sign that its going to rain, and when you can't, it means it is raining. I very much like Stuart Shils work - an American who worked in Ireland a good deal in the 90s and early 2000s - worth looking up if you haven't already discovered his paintings. The western islands are also traditionally popular with artists.

[Patrick T Daly]

Hi Nina,

For me it's the experience of being immersed in the outdoors. When you paint ouside is is like the landscape enters into you and comes out onto the canvas with all the subtleties of the place, the light, the weather, the people who pass by and of course your own feelings at that time. It can be frustrating at times as the light here can change so much from minute to minute but you have to embrace that and not fight against it as I have done in the past. I used to curse the grey rain sodden clounds we get so much of here.

This is the challange and probably why you detect an 'unusual light'. I also find that no matter how well you think you know your native landscape once you set out to paint it you realise how little in fact you actually know. I would love to paint where there is brilliant strong light but for the moment I am content with our unique climate, the variety of landscape features especially the coast, mountains and bogs.

[nina mateyunas]

Hello Patrick,

     Wow, I never thought of it that way! So true. Being outdoors in the landscape you want on your canvas and seeing it come thru your brush is such a wonderful thing!  I wonder though, if having cloudy skies is more desirable than the strong brilliant light of a sunny day. We live in 'the sunshine state', and while it's not necessary to duck inside every so often, the heat gets to you, and a cloudy day is very welcoming.  But we do not have 'that unusual light' that I find so intriguing.

Patrick T Daly said:

Hi Nina,

For me it's the experience of being immersed in the outdoors. When you paint ouside is is like the landscape enters into you and comes out onto the canvas with all the subtleties of the place, the light, the weather, the people who pass by and of course your own feelings at that time. It can be frustrating at times as the light here can change so much from minute to minute but you have to embrace that and not fight against it as I have done in the past. I used to curse the grey rain sodden clounds we get so much of here.

This is the challange and probably why you detect an 'unusual light'. I also find that no matter how well you think you know your native landscape once you set out to paint it you realise how little in fact you actually know. I would love to paint where there is brilliant strong light but for the moment I am content with our unique climate, the variety of landscape features especially the coast, mountains and bogs.

[nina mateyunas]

     Thank for the suggestion, and for a bit of Irish humor! Perhaps painting in the rain might produce some interesting effects! You know, its funny, coming to this dry climate from the rainy NE..We expected rain during the rainy season here in Fl., but aside from tropical storm conditions, it'll come down for 10 minutes, under a ferocious looking sky, and then the sun comes out again!

Tony Robinson said:

Hi Nina.

I've travelled most of the west of Ireland but not painted there. Usually its been family holidays when my kids were young while my interest in painting outside has only emerged in the last 6 or 7 years. There's no dispute it is spectacularly beautiful, although there's an old Kerry joke that when you can see the top of the mountain, its a sign that its going to rain, and when you can't, it means it is raining. I very much like Stuart Shils work - an American who worked in Ireland a good deal in the 90s and early 2000s - worth looking up if you haven't already discovered his paintings. The western islands are also traditionally popular with artists.

[Lynda Moore]

Hi Norah,
I will be in Wexford for the Plein air event, and I would love to see your favorite place to paint in the West of Ireland. If you have the time it would be nice to meet up them while I am in your country. Please keep me in mind, and I hope to see you in August.

Norah Blount said:

Lovely to read what inspires you, I suppose I paint the Irish landscape because it is home so easy to get to ! I love the west coast, especially Connemara - there is something special there, a feeling of time and the landscape makes me feel so insignificant  - it inspires me to make the most of each day and capture some if it on canvas.  

[Sandra Tasca]

Absolutely love the movement and gesture of the man and his beastie. Nicely done!