laptop acrobatics

Still limping along on the computer front. I’m using my daughters’ laptop as a stop gap and really not enjoying the experience. How do you laptop people cope with these fiddly little mouse pads and cramped keyboards. My shoulders get all in a knot. Not for me..

Anyway, a new computer has to be purchased (gulp) but the gift/lend of an older computer for a few months will mean that I can save a little more for a Mac. I fully expect that the Mac users mafia will want me to go through some kind of initiation ceremony. There may also be some kind of test. You know, Am I cool enough? Will I be suitably condescending to non Mac users? Will I wear a shoulder strap across my chest? 

apple candy

Last night I set up a still life on the kitchen counter. Very different lighting than what I use usually. This is the first of a few paintings, large and small using this set up.

Apple Candy 8×8 inch oil on canvas bord

an overeager model

A couple of you have asked how Slinky Malinky and I are getting on.

Well it seems he has learnt his lesson regarding wet paint and generally gives the danger zone, where my palettes lie, a wide berth. So that’s good, however, another issue has begun to raise it’s head.

It’s true that I have painted him in the past and probably will do again, but his presence is not required in every painting! He thinks if I leave the easel for a minute that I may not notice him on my return and just paint him into the painting.

apple cider

a small still life painting from yesterday. 7×7 inch oil on gesso bord

failte

Good Monday morning to you. I don’t know what it’s like in your part of the world but it’s getting colder and darker here in the mornings. It’s been a busy weekend (aren’t they all) so this morning I’m feeling like dialing things down a notch. I’m working on a new portrait but I’m going to take my time. In the meantime I’ll post a little painting I did last week.

Can I just say hello, if you’re new to this blog. There’s been a jump in subscribers and facebook fans recently and lots of lovely,  interesting people have come my way. So if your new, Failte!

There’s a couple of reasons why the blog is growing but one of them is that some of you have posted my paintings on your facebook page or blog or have put a link to my blog on your website or blog. Sometimes I don’t even know you done it. So, if you have been kind enough to mention me  – a big thank you and much gratitude! 

apple bobsleigh

just a little happy painting. 7×7 inch oil on gesso bord

it’s off to town we go, high ho!

I didn’t paint today or yesterday! I know, imagine!

But I’ve been busy with other things. I’ve been working on the website (did you see the new galleries section in the top menu bar?) and sorting out exciting things like looking for advice on bookkeeping. You know when you’re driving a car there’s a blind spot?  My “business blind spot” is bookkeeping. I’m fairly competent in the admin sphere, but when it comes to figures and the bookkeeping end of things I have huge laspes in reason, concentration and the will to live!

Do you have any good advice for me? I could do with it.

Anyway, it’s off to town we go tonight for culture night. The family von trappe O’Farrell/Lawson/Aherne/Alén. Loosly translated as me, Rob, my kids, my Mum and Sagrario (my Spanish student/daughter). We will take the dart (train) into town, heading up to Francis Street first of all for the fun in the Bad Art Gallery.  Mum will bring the kids home with her and we will follow later under our own steam (and other influences).

The Bad Art Gallery events are as follows…

• 5-11pm – Treasure Hunt
• 5-7pm – Top artists - Lucy Doyle painting in one window
• 5-7pm – Padraig Mccaul painting in the other window
• 7pm – 9.30pm – David Nolan painting live in the gallery window
• 7- 9pm – Artist Kevin McSherry painting live
• 7- 11pm – Dr.Sketchy’s art class –
  • Burlesques girls posing the gallery and all The Bad Art Gallery artists will be drawing them. Involves prizes, drink, DJ and plenty of fun!
• 7-11pm – T-Bone Kelly performing with his band – Jazz music
• 7-9pm – MaSamba will parade along Francis Street
• 9-11pm – Marion the firedancer will perform on Francis Street
• 5-11pm – Food on Sticks

kate’s apple’s

My neighbour’s have apple tree’s and were kind enough to present me with a bag of these gorgeous red apple’s the other day. I really enjoyed painting them. (In fact I may be reduced to scaling the wall for some more) This painting is one of the largest I’ve done as yet and is 24×24 inches. It’s off to the Killarney Art Gallery and will be available in a week or two.

katies apple’s 24×24 inches oil on canvas.