Schedule:

1. Sat 16th Sept ‘23 – Mon 18th Sept ‘23 “Capturing Connemara” 

2. Weds 20th Sept ‘23 – Fri 22nd Sept ‘23 “Capturing Connemara Masterclass” 

These first two classes in September give a wonderful opportunity to explore Connemara, one of the most beautiful regions, whilst receiving expert tuition from the longest-established holiday painting school in Ireland. Students (by the majority!) have a choice for the painting site each day which may be spectacular cosy coves, vast open boglands, mountains, lakes or busy traditional harbours. Both these courses run alongside the Clifden Arts Festival and are scheduled to ensure that your evenings are as full of fun as your days. The first is open to all, the second requires intermediate painting knowledge or attendance of the first course. Class assembles daily at Ballinaboy Studio, Ballinaboy, Clifden, Co. Galway H71 V963 and runs to 5.30 pm. Cost for 16th – 18th September €350. Cost for 20th – 22nd September €350. Cost for 16th – 22nd September reduced price €600.

3. Sat 28th Oct ‘23 – Sun 30th Oct ‘23 “Connemara: Red and Yellow”

This course is scheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend just as Connemara starts to take on its autumnal hues. The bog really can turn red. The colours are phenomenal and reach their height usually in November. However, November brings colder weather. During this course, we hope to look especially at colour and design in the surrounding bog lands. Should the rain fall we will use the newly renovated large studio in Ballinaboy with views both over the bog to the Alcock and Brown landing site and the ocean, a few minutes walk away. This course will enable you to look at and see the design offered by these unique boglands and to begin to capture their incredible colour possibilities.

Class assembles daily in Ballinaboy Studio, Ballinaboy, Clifden, Co. Galway H71 V963 and runs to 5.30 pm. Cost €350.

4. Sat 2nd Dec ‘23- Sun 3rd Dec ‘23 “Finishing Weekend” 

5. Sat. 9th Dec ‘23 – Sun. 10th Dec. ‘23 “A Professional Finish”

These classes will be held indoors in our well-equipped studio. The focus of the class is on gaining the ability to bring your work to a conclusion. How to judge when it is finished. To learn how to achieve that professional finish without over-working it or losing the initial freshness of the sketch. The studio is located in easy reach, just off the M11, south of Dublin.

Class assembles at 10.30 am in RiverRun Studio, Nun’s Cross, Ashford, Co. Wicklow A67 PY79, and finishes at 5.30 pm Cost: €220 per weekend.

6. Sat. March 30th ‘24 – Sun. April 1st ‘24 “ Connemara Retreat: Winter to Spring” This class will be held at a time when the sun returns to Ballinaboy, the garden awakens, the bogs shake off their winter slumber and we have the wonderful contrasts left from the harsh winter with new life arising. It is a special time of year to take a much-needed refreshing break, often blessed with sunshine with a special clarity to the light.

Class assembles at 10.30 am in Ballinaboy Studio, Ballinaboy, Clifden, Co. Galway H71 V963 and runs to 5.30 pm. Cost €350.

7. Sat. 1st June ‘24 – Mon. 3rd June ‘24. “Connemara in Bloom”. This course is ably supported by the amazing studio and garden Kenneth Webb created over the last forty years. With its high stone walls enclosing it, a garden paradise has arisen, providing shelter from both winter winds, and, now the trees are mature, cool groves provide relief from heatwave sunshine. With the magical series of miniature gardens that flow one to another around a natural lily pond, there are many treasures to be discovered, and painted, whilst beaches, bogs, mountains, islands and Clifden/Roundstone harbours are all but a short drive away.

Class assembles in Ballinaboy Studio, Ballinaboy, Clifden, Co. Galway H71 V963 and runs to 5.30 pm. Cost €350.

 

Daily Schedule:

Every morning we will assemble in the studio. Some days, weather permitting, we will travel in convoy in our cars to our painting location for the day. Should the weather be less cooperative than desired all studios are set within sheltered garden environments with many painting views close to the studio shelter. The hardy may opt for outdoor options while others may prefer the studio comforts.

Every morning, rain or shine there will be a demonstration of painting techniques, on site or in the studio. Students with less experience may like to follow along step by step, while those with more experience may use these demonstrations as a springboard to fire their imaginations and set out on their projects in the vicinity.

Susan is on hand for group and one-to-one instruction the whole workday. Previous participants have been amazed at how far their painting confidence and skills have progressed with Susan’s able help. Class numbers are strictly limited to 6 – 10 participants (depending on the course) to be sure each individual is receiving what they need.

Your tutor, Susan Webb has more than forty years of experience tutoring in the Irish School of Landscape Painting which was founded by her parents in 1957. She is a most accomplished artist herself. She is represented in London by Gladwell and Patterson, in Galway by Kennys Art Gallery, in Clifden by Whitethorns Art Gallery and in Dublin by the Trinity Gallery.

Upon booking your in-person class, you will receive one month’s FREE access to this extensive library Susan’s livestream provides. It contains several hundred hours of recorded instruction covering many types of painting techniques in oils, acrylics and mixed media, along with the study of the works and lives of many important inspirational artists. You will be sent an activation link and code, and your month’s access will begin from when the code is first used. Extended access can be arranged at an additional fee.

 

The School actively uses WhatsApp to provide ongoing support with online classes. Online participants can link directly with the tutor and with each other regarding their projects, and Susan provides supportive critiques at all stages of the work.

 

Below are photos of both our Clifden Studio and our Wicklow Studio