Whilst in Connemara we went to the nearby island of Inishbofin for the day. Here are two recently finished paintings from sketches done on the spot (using a bamboo matchstick pen and watercolour). They show the ferry in the little harbour and the Church of St Colman. 
Five days in Connemara
If you’ve never been to the west coast of Ireland, do! It’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’ve had the great pleasure to stay for five days on the Renvyle Peninsular along the Wild Atlantic way; in the Renvyle House Hotel with John Hoar and 20 or so other artists. Here is a selection of paintings from the first few days. They are of the coastline around here, the little nearby village of Tully Cross with its church , Renvyle House itself with its palm trees and lovely grounds; and some rhododendrons (picked from the hedgerows) and chrysanthemums. 
Two more John Hoar studies
Had great fun painting these scenes from the west coast of Ireland. I’m hoping by familiarising myself with John’s technique, colours and tone that I’ll end up completing some decent paintings . These are of a country scene near Roundstone and Killybegs.
Wet day on the west coast
Here is a very quickly painted watercolour, based on the work of John Hoar, of a wet day on the west coast of Ireland. I shall be there at the end of May to paint for several days. Hoping for some lovely scenes to share with you. 
Recent paintings
I now go regularly, most Monday’s to paint with a group of artists in the Alphington Community Centre on the outskirts of Exeter. Here are two watercolours, Irish cottages and Alphington Church and an acrylic of a Topsham sunset. 
Making a painting
Last week I spent a day on Dartmoor sketching. I was taken by this scene at Merrivale ( there is a disused granite quarry to the right of the big house. You can find this scene on the Ashburton to Tavistock road just past the Dartmoor Inn. The hill is Staple Tor. 
I sketched this on the spot , took a photo for reference and painted it in the studio. You will see that I have taken some artistic license ; I’ve made the buildings to the left of the house rather more attractive and I’ve put the distant hills of the moor in the distance which can’t be seen from the photo but are there and give the painting a better perspective.
John Hoar course
Here are the paintings I did last week up in South Molton with the master, John Hoar. Two Irish cottages, Connemara and Donegal; a Dorset cottage, white houses by the church and the perpendicular church in the village of Happisburgh in Norfolk. These were done as quickly and boldly as I was able . 
