I'm so happy to be back to my Fine Arts Class in the IPAV and this year we are learning about Belgium Art. Our first class featured artists Rogier van der Weyden and Robert Campin. This photo forms part of ' The Seiern Triptycht' c1425. I'm interested in this in particular because of the rich gold background. I've just realised why i'm so obsessed with using gold in my paintings particularly my abstracts. I have been studying the History of Art now for a number of years and during that time religious painting have played a big part.They often have gold in the background and its interesting as I probably didn't even realise I was getting inspiration from these works. Between this and the old tapestries and the gorgeous Japanese Kimonos in The Chester Beatty Library I can see where I have got such an appreciation of gold oil paint. I have two favourite brands of gold oil paint, the first one is Sennelier gold pigment which I mix up myself. The second one I discovered on one of our Art Trips to Chicago and spent a  precious hour in the Art shop, Brick Art, I could have stayed all day. I bought gold and silver in the Gamblin range and I can recommend them . Evans Art carry a range of Gamblin paints and Sennelier pigment. I'm lucky as my son often visits Chicago and he brings back the large tubes of Gamblin Oils as they are difficult to get here. 

What an amazing time I had on Saturday, it was a most successful day. A lot of people came and bought and I want to thank them most sincerely. I was lucky I had my daughters Catraoine and Amy to help out as it was a bit crazy at times. I sold a lot of the paintings I did during covit and to my surprise I sold 4 of my new collection . I can now happily start painting again as I have freed up a lot of space. I think most artists just want to paint, the hard work is in the selling!

A special thanks to Kate and Richie for letting me use their fabulous premises ' The View' . I couldn't ask for a better location to showcase my seascapes. 

I am having a pop up studio day in The View and I will be reducing the prices of some my paintings. Like many artists I painted non stop during covit and have a lot more paintings than normal so this is a way of freeing up some space for my new collection. Everyone welcome so please drop in if you are in the area. There is free parking in The View on Saturday as well. 

Stephens Green Club was the venue for our night to receive our certificates for the Italian Renaissance Art and also the Students who completed the Diploma In Fine and Decorative Arts. I did that course myself a few years back and I must say it was one of the best courses I have ever done in the IPAV in Baggot St. 

The course this year centered a lot around Florence so that is where we are going on our annual trip next September. We have missed out on our trip for the last two years so it will be extra special this year. These trips are invaluable to me as our tutor brings us to all the best Galleries and Museums and I always come home with great inspiration for my paintings. 

Exciting news for me this week. I am now showing some of my paintings in the beautiful building called The View in Malahide Marina. It is aptly named as it has the most spectacular views of the Marina. This was originally the restaurant called Cruzzo's where I have many happy memories. It is now home to Co Offices, Meeting rooms etc and I can't imagine a nicer place to work. Most of my bigger paintings are their now and can be viewed Monday to Friday but by appointment only. All you need to do is contact me and I will arrange it. I will be having a solo exhibition their very soon so I will keep you all posted as soon as I have a definite date.