So last June,  standing outdoors at 6 o’clock in the morning with 49 other talented artists, I did wonder what had made me want to be here, for the second time! It was the day of the Sky Arts Landscape painting competition and once again I was a wildcard. 

 And I did feel apprehensive when we were told that instead of painting the beautiful views over the lough we would be painting the castle building itself!… I never choose to paint buildings, so faced with the imposing facade of Castle Ward it was a daunting start!! A lot of the other artists felt disappointed too, but sometimes being taken out of your comfort zone can spark something new.  You have to explore, take risks and enjoy trying something different … forget the outcome and just immerse yourself in colour and process!

Once I started to look at the surroundings and set up my drawing board in the long grasses by some trees, I felt much more relaxed and immersed in nature. I loved the viewpoint over the pink topped grasses, with beautiful tall trees and shrubs framing the building.

I made marks in response to the gentle sound of the wind in the grasses, insects and bird noises overhead! Surprisingly, I enjoyed drawing the building itself… It had a romantic, nostalgic feel, full of past memories which I felt I could capture best with soft pastels and ink washes.. I never look for a representational feel instead I let the colours give a sense of being there in the pink grasses on a hot summer afternoon.

Highlight of the day was chatting with the judges about my process and drawing, and when artist and judge Tai-Shan Schierenberg described the colours I used as “yummy” that was such a great takeaway. The other judges Kate Byran and Kathleen Soriano  were both so supportive and friendly which made the atmosphere friendly and relaxed rather than too serious!

So, no I didn’t win, but I did get some great feedback from the judges, met some fantastic artists and came away stronger and braver as an artist! So don’t hold back, just go for it!

That’s a great win for me.