Two from Inishmore
Posted: July 12, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized 25 CommentsI spent a most spectacular day on Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. And for the first time, I did a sketch tour by bike. Cycling is really the best way to see the island. There are buses or horse-drawn carriages that can take you around as well, but biking allows you to stop wherever you find a good view and since the island is only 18km long, it’s easily travelled in a few hours. If you take the low road along the coast, the views on the land side are almost as breathtaking as the sea side. The fields, sectioned by rock walls and dotted with livestock, slope up to a constant wall of clouds. I found a stone table and bench to sketch the view.
In the afternoon I found an outdoor spot at a cafe in the town of Kilronan. Before returning to Galway, I found some time to draw and paint a view of the town but the wind picked up and was so fierce that I had to finish the sketch on the ferry ride home. Despite the rough water, and the occasional screams from passengers as the ferry slammed up and down on the waves, it was still easier to draw than in the wind. I know this sounds like a Rick Steeves guidebook, but if you ever get a chance to see Inishmore, jump on it. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, but I have a feeling I may say that a lot in Ireland.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Your work is super excellent Shari! 🙂 🙂
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Thanks so much n
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Amazing, love your second one so much – the journey … it’s all about the journey. And then the sketches, better than photographs and memories sometimes. Especially when they’re yours.
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So true, but the photos of the place are amazing too. I would go back there to paint for an extended period. It’s a special place.
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Biking, boating, painting & journaling – sounds like a quadruple triathlon to me !! You are Iron Woman – great paintings as usual. Rick Steves should commission you. BTW, that ring finger on your palette only popped out when I stressed it trying to open it – not while holding it.
Keep enjoying !
Soni
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It was the best way to see the place. And I’m loving the palette with and without using the ring.
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How can you sketch on a ferry boat-that is bouncing all over the place? This is a super sketch. What size is it? I am enjoying Ireland thru your eyes and sketches.
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Thanks Judy. I lifted my pen every time we hit a bump. The sketch is about 8 x 10″.
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I was in Inishmore about 20 years ago, and I still recognize your 2nd sketch. Great stuff!
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Thanks Bryan! Inishmore probably hasn’t changed much since you were here.
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It’s wonderful to get your posts from Ireland. Great sketches, two such different views. Happy trails. Raise a pint for me!
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Thanks Alison! We’ll raise a pint together soon, won’t we?
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I’ve been all over the planet, but Ireland is the one country I would see again. We drove along the entire coast and every new turn was another picture postcard. Enjoy your visit….I envy you. Your sketches are always amazing.
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Ireland is a breathtaking place. Thanks Donna!
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These are both beautiful!!! Sounds like quite an adventure you had today.
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Thanks Joan!
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I enjoy all of your pieces, but the sketch of the town is absolutely amazing…..Bravo!
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Thanks Cindy!
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Hi Shari
Off topic. Will take your art book about Montreal for Symposium for sell? Thanks Monika
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Hi Monika, I have so much to carry with me that I won’t have the extra weight of books bits always available online though. See you in Manchester!
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Wonderful. Enjoy your visit. Ireland is great for cycling, and dreaming. Looking forward to more sketches from the land of the leprechauns.
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Thanks. I have just finished teaching a workshop here. More Irish sketches to come!
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Good! I’ve seen your post of the succulents garden…
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It so upsets me that I could not do your class in Galway, you and your fabulous work are tantalisingly near but so far! Maybe next year you could do a class in Dublin or co. Wicklow, it is so beautiful up and down the east coast and half an hour could get you to the mountains….you could fill dozens of sketch books with your beautiful work!
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I love Ireland. I will certainly be back to paint!
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