Wheelchair accessible Art Hidden gems Educational activities

Have fun exploring the joy of creating your own artwork in a supportive, relaxed, inspirational environment. Explore new techniques with expert guidance. Unwind in the stunning rural Irish landscape

Highlights

• Stunning views and expert tuition with everything you need included in the fee.
• Fascinating historic venue built 1798 as a protestant church turned art venue.
• Leave with your own canvas artwork to remind you of your time in The Burren area
• Learn the fascinating history of the area.
• Includes complimentary Tea or Coffee.

Description

Your guide and workshop facilitator Andrew Waterhouse is an Artist, Curator and Gallery owner, who has lived and worked in the uniquely inspirational Burren (rocky) region of the West of Ireland for over 25 years. He rebuilt the venue by hand over 8 years, converting it from a totally derelict church to a thriving contemporary art space. The classes take place in or around The Burren Art Gallery, where participants can enjoy a 360 degree hilltop view of majestic rural Ireland, including Templebannagh lake and the high peaks of Mullaghmore. The mature gardens provide endless vistas for botanical study and the wildlife in the surrounding fields attract a diverse range of migratory and native birds. The lush vegetation around the venue gives a clue to the climate, so participants need to have rainwear (although there are limestone paths so boots are not required and there is no hiking involved!) A class typically lasts 2 hours and participants meet at The Burren Art Gallery which is easily found on Google maps, close to the epicentre of The Burren National Park. After complimentary tea or coffee and a brief chance for the group to mix, Andrew starts by giving an overview of the days materials and equipment (everything you need will be included). A level wheelchair accessible restroom is adjacent to the main Gallery, which is also wheelchair accessible and level. Lightweight chairs and easels are provided and we start with some simple sketching trying, a range of subjects based on each participants own particular interests. Guidance and feedback is available at every stage. The emphasis is on learning and enjoying the process rather than the physical outcome. Participants can use a smartphone if they with to help develop compositions and to capture fleeting events for reference purposes. When the group is ready, we turn our attention to the introduction of colour, the basics of mixing and painting application techniques. Andrew will reference his own oil works as part of the process but the group will work with acrylic for practical purposes (clean up and drying time primarily). The group is encouraged to experiment, support each other and ask questions! The emphasis is on inclusivity and everyone will be encouraged to develop their technique whatever their ability, although the group is aimed at people with no significant previous experience. Finally we combine the first 2 elements of the session (sketching and colour experimentation) to produce a small complete work of acrylic on primed canvas. The session ends with everyone who is happy to showing their work to the group for feedback and encouragement. There is ample opportunity to take photos of the day and perhaps even your creation in the gallery itself. Afterwards, there are many nearby attractions to see. Lough Bunny is within 25 minutes walk. Also on the high Burren limestone plateau, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments. Please ask!

Includes

Tuition Pencils (to use in class) Acrylic Paints (to use in class) Sketch pad sheets One small primed stretched canvas to take away Easels (to use in class) Tea Coffee

Important Information

• Email any questions to Andrew Waterhouse via burrenartgallery@gmail.com

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund