www.Deborah Donnelly.com

Caterpillar cake and cows

2012-03-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

This is Munroe and Rita. Ten years ago they bought this cow painting off me at my first little art gallery (it was a kiosk on Capel Street in Dublin.
I never signed the painting! So after 10 years we finally met again and I finally signed the painting. We had tea and M & S caterpillar cake (thanks to Rita!) I had a lovely day and it was so nice to see that my cow is so well loved.
Sometimes I dread seeing a painting I hav'nt seen in awhile just in case i don't like it BUT! not the case here.....I am very proud it. We have arranged to check in again in another ten years!

what a lovely day XX

Book Signing Hodges & Fidges MArch 1st

2012-02-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Exciting busy week .Its world book day on the 1st of March so I'll be in Hodges and Fidges signing my books. All welcome!
My next series of books are being launched next month too which is very exciting. These are quite different , a little more serious but still happy go lucky!
Today is my last day of detox! I have done 5 weeks of no wine, coffee, wheat , meat or dairy so I'm trying to decide what to eat first.
Last night i did a pasta making course with my friend Ciara Barry (a great chef) and I resisted the dinner at the end (which was very hard) I love the classes, shes a great cook and its in her kichen which makes it very cosy, lots of wine and stories.
And tonight I am going to a punk party! Another of my friends who is also a great cook http://www.goodfoodmadeeasy.com/ I will take great pleasure in putting black eyeliner and a dog chain on my husbands neck! (pictures will follow!)
And tomorrow I have a bottle of promis 2004 Ca'marcanda with my name on it .....Have a great weekend all XX

MID-TERM OVER!

2012-02-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

I just got the hardest part of the day over with ! The hour before school ...lunches, hair, looking for shoes, making porridge and then getting them out the door tears and all over silly stuff. I just hold my breath until the last one is in montessori and let out a big sigh of relief before I skip home alone!
I find it so hard. All I do lately is referee between the kids, all i'm missing is a whistle and some shorts (have the knee hight socks already)
Now I'm home and honestly I have so much work to do I don't know where to start. Luckily I'm programmed to ignore the housework and just head straight for my studio. But that looks like the gremlins have been in it.
Right! Just going to dive in .....only 4 hours to go before I collect .... ..never enough time!

BIG !

2012-02-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

More big paintings! These are the Gary rhodes paintings....can't remember painting them so BIG!
Feeling under the weather today , have a horrible flu dose and the croup....can't believe I have the croup. This always happens to me , when the kids are off on mid-term I relax a little and then illness takes over! I manage to fit it in over the school break.
I am on week 3 of my detox. No meat, coffee, wine, wheat or dairy. Do I feel better? Yes and No. Yes ....I really feel a boost in energy, my bedtime is now 11.30 instead of 9.30 and my skin is glowing (so friends have been saying ) but at the moment I'm sick and the temptation to have a hot whiskey is hard. And thats the only downside is my flu and I know thats not related to the detox.
Now I am heading off with the girls on friday and I am worried about not drinking. I think I will have to pretend to drink. If they find out I'm not drinking I'll get the old Father Ted "go on...go on ...go on " "life's too short!" etc...
I am now terrified to put any toxins back in my clean intestines! And they are shining. The bowl of brown rice everyday has seen to that.
This evening I had delicious ice-cream. I chopped up banana and put them in the freezer, took them out , stuck them in a blender with some almond nut butter and agave and Yum! Now I'm ready to paint some more Big paintings!
Just need a big space to hang them in now ! X

Size does matter! Bigger is better!!

2012-02-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

This is the biggest cow in the herd! 10ft x 10ft cow. This was the painting hanging in Gary rhodes restaurant for the last 5 years. I just got in to see her today. I had a tear in my eye as I hav'nt seen these pieces in 3 years. This painting took me almost a year to paint, a year to dry and about 20 hours and 3 big strong men to stretch it. And I did all of this while I was pregnant. Women...we sure can multi- task!
This is piece is big and heavy. Its oils on canvas and the colours are still as bright as ever. Thats what I love about oils. What will happen to her? ....I can't say yet for sure but I know its going to be something exciting X

Col! cold! Cold!

2012-02-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

My student told me we are getting Siberian cold winds and boy is he right! I have had a hot water bottle stuck under my arm all morning!
My studio /garage with perspex roof is like an ice-box which on the up-side means its very well ventilated.
I just put together a group of paintings for a show in wicklow. I will let you know the date for the opening when I know.
I am exactly two weeks on my detox. No dairy, wheat, processed sugar or wine has passed my lips! And honestly I feel really good and realaxed. Yesterday I made a cheesecake with no nuts. The white bit was cashew nuts soaked over night and blended finely with caco, agave and coconut butter. And my husband said it was the nicest dessert he has ever had and I have to agree with him!
The course is with Dorcas Barry in Select stores in Dalkey and I am really enjoying it. Its all about feeding the body with real food. Well worth it!
Homework time X

Today feels like winter!

2012-01-30T01:50:00.000-08:00

This is the typical Irish weather. Doom and gloom. What can we do? PAINT!
I think its the only way to get some colour into today.
Going to finish off this peace and hopefully start another one. Busy week. I am finally getting in to see my old Gary Rhodes paintings....so excited I hav'nt seen them in 4 years (I hope I still love them!)
I was heavily pregnant with Franky when I painted them so they are full of emotions and hormones.
When I think back it was such an exciting time, that was the biggest commission I ever got and I never believed it was real till the very end (and I got the pay check!)
I had the kiosk on Capel Street and Gary came up and said he liked my work "Do you paint big" And then I told him about my studio in New York and how I loved to paint big but now I have to paint small as I am back in Ireland.
I had'nt a clue who he was and people say stuff to me all the time "I'll get you to do this ...and that" and then the disapointment comes when they never follow through. Or the famous line that all artists know "I'll be back later!" and you always believe them.
But Gary did come back. And he wanted 8 paintings that where 8ft x 8ft and one 10ft x 10 ft painting. I got a studio at the back of the restaurant and I worked my socks off. I am still great friends with Garys head chief and wife and manys a night was spent in there.
And now its all gone. And all thats left is my work. I need to get in and roll them up. You see they are going on a final journey to Dubai. And this will most likely be the last time I see them in Ireland.
Not only are our people emigrating our Emerald Isle but now some fine pieces of art work too ....
So must stop reminissing and get some new work done! Enough!

The cupcake class

2012-01-24T02:54:00.000-08:00

Ten women and two dozen cupcakes...who would'nt enjoy this art class!!
And no leftovers!

EAT! PAINT! LOVE!

2012-01-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

For the first Tuesday of every month I will be in Blooms Brassiere on Baggot street teaching folks how to paint. Its 7.30 - 9.30 with everything you need to paint your own picture. Paul will supply the tapas and a glass of wine and I will supply the paint and canvas!
Places are limited so booking is essential on 0863266226!

And no experience needed!! Everyone is born an artist (the problem is staying one!!) XX

Cup cakes anyone?!

2012-01-17T02:17:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes?

Being a butchers wife is hardwork! Especially in these times. If you are a small business today you are short-staffed and over- worked. You are doing the work of two even three people. In the good old days you had plenty of staff and customers! and time was more flexable. We travelled alot. We even managed a month in South America.
Now is very different.
Its been about 2 years since we even left the house for a night! On saturday I decided to take action. My man always works saturdays and I never even thought about going away on my own as weekends are always off the agenda. So I lost the fear I took myself and the 3 kids to The Ferrycarrig hotel in Wexford for the night and my goodness I feel so refreshed. Usually I try my best to escape from my kids! But this weekend was such fun...we went swimming and to the Nature reserve (amazing by the way)
The next morning we woke up to 3 helium balloons and a sunday paper tied to our hotel door with a "We will miss you when you leave" on the balloons. WELL! the gasp of delight from the kids with excitement it was so cool.
We had a lovely swim, told not to worry about leaving the hotel we could hang out in the pool all day if we wanted. Then back for a coffee and cupcakes!
So the moral of the story is ....sometimes its good to get away. I am so caught up in the school runs, lunches, housework, chatting to my mom, chatting to other moms, trying to work that I forget to take a break!

And Ferrycarrig hotel "I miss you too!" XX

Can anyone guess where this veiw is??!! Free print for the correct answer!

2012-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Well after the other Irish landscape painting I had to start another one (all from the same palatte ) so similar colours. Actually they would go really well as a set!
So I know where it is...but does anyone out there know ? (I know this is a tough one. But after mondays landscape I was so surpirsed to see how many people recognised the veiw. So its just a little test!
I have a free print for the first person who knows where it is!! ! so all you hill walkers out there who like to get lost in the moutains (like myself!) as its cheaper then therapy......fresh air and beautiful veiws. Thats when you feel really free....

Its a limited edition print worth 85e.....

At last the schools are open!

2012-01-09T04:36:00.000-08:00

Finally I could paint again this morning! I was up at 6.30 so I could have my cup of coffee in piece and then the killer morning rush got under way. A few tantrums but I did'nt let it bother me as I knew I was going to be able to paint undisturbed all morning. I just stopped now to have a cup of tea and show you want I started this morning.
This has been in my head all xmass and finally its out!

On a down note ....a few more friends have emigrated this week to Austrailia. And more then ever now I have been looking at Ireland differently and its because of them. We are so lucky to be living here. I know its tight for everyone at the moment and God knows when another check is going to come in my door .....but when I traveled around Ireland in October the landscape did take my breath away.

This painting is for all the people who have to leave our Island. I hope by the time my kids graduate things have changed XX

What happens to the Bad Art?!

2011-12-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

I took great pleasure in destroying all the Bad Art in my studio with the help of my son Evin he loves ripping them appart. These are all the pieces that never made it into the house! .I always like to hang the pieces in my house and look at them for awhile before the Galleries take them. Luckily they have all found good homes but this painting will make way for a newer piece!!!
I will re-stretch them and start the whole process all over again. Maybe the next one will make it into the house Ho ! ho! ho
Today is a perfect day to get rid of the old X Happy New Years !XX

Christmass morning .....wow!

2011-12-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! I have to say its quite hard being married to butcher...I hav'nt seen him for the whole month of december and then on xmass eve he gets in the door about 7.30pm )
People left it very late to order their turkeys and with the banks not offering any credit he only ordered what people ordered. There is no room for mistakes anymore.
Its different this year. Some ordered a turkey and no ham, the usual who ordered a bronzed (the rolls royce of turkeys they downgraded to a free range turkey and then there was the singlemom with 4 kids that arrived into the shop on xmass eve to apoligise as she had to cancel the turkey as things where very tight this year.
Of course my husband will never be rich....although he is a businesman he has a soft heart.
He told the single mom to wait for a second and went in the back and wrapped up a turkey and ham. He gave her our turkey and knew under the circumstances that she needed it more.
He knows that when my mom made a miraculus recovery on xmass eve 5 years ago that the last thing on our minds was turkey. She was on deaths door and recovered within 48 hours. By then all the Americans had been called and we where prepared for the worst. Xmass day we took her home, there was no turkey, no gift but all we had was a smoked salmon and it was a feast.
We have the real spirit of xmass.

In the end a lady who ordered a bronzed turkey never showed up.
We ate like kings. As i'm sure everyone did on xmass day.
As an artist I look up at the sky alot ........Christmass morning the light was spectacular I had to take a picture. The amazing pink sky lit up our living room and all of us ended up outside about 8 am.

Today we went to the Powerscort waterful . We had the whole place to ourselves.
My lesson today ....Its not all about the turkey.

Happy xmass everyone XXX

SOLD!

2011-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

This painting I started in September and finished about a week ago. Its still slightly wet. The paint is thick on it and its formed a thin scab over the top. It will probobly take 6 months before it is totally dry and I will need to varnish it in about a years time.
Usually I have a few months with the piece even a few years to live with the piece before someone adopts it. But today I had a lovely guy pick this painting out above everything else. The only painting that was'nt dry!

My mom was in my studio yesterday and adored the piece too. My husband who I thought is sick of art and never really comments on the paintings even said this morning "Can we keep it for awhile".

But I know the rules ...if I want to stay and artist I know I need to let go of the works to buy more paint etc...
We put the car seats back on the car and I told him to hang the piece on the wall as soon as he goes home so it dos'nt get damaged (I never usually let a piece go when its this fragile)

It left the house and I sort of feel sad. Then about 40 mins ago I got a picture text from the buyer with his wife beaming standing beside it. It was a xmass presant for her. And then I felt very, very happy. Of course they are going to love it as much as I do and I know its in really good hands. Thank you Barry & Rachael XX
I really hope everyone has a lovely xmass X

Christmass at Bewleys!

2011-12-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

Christmass week very exciting! Friday I took all the kids out of school at 12 and we hopped on the bus into town to see all the xmass windows and lights. It was a great day, all the buskers and moving statue buskers where out in full. We could spend hours watching them. Then up to Bewelys for a cuppa and to see the miniture exhibition on the second floor...wow! Its a whole city of little people. My kids loved it. And then the treat they all look forward to is a big mug of hot chocolate, There was a great buzz in there and we must of spent a good two hours there. My husband even managed to escape and meet us for the traditional hot chocolate special.
We did'nt come away with any gifts, toys ,demands or tantrums. I bought them some bubbles in the joke shop (Evin got fake blood instead) and we hopped on the bus home. A cheap wonderful fun filled day Ho! HO! HO! XX

Canal walk

2011-12-13T03:34:00.000-08:00

I still have lots of colour in my garden and I wanted to capture it before the snow eats it all up! Its the backs of the houses on the Dublin canal. Everything still looks so bright and beautiful and I am feeling really good.
I have missed a week of painting as the kids have all been sick so it feels so good to get back into the studio.....its a big sigh of relief and I guess this painting shows my mood today ...enjoy! X

Class Art Exhibit at Blooms!

2011-12-07T01:06:00.000-08:00

What a great night, the place was packed, thank you for everyone for coming. What a great buzz and very exciting, nearly everything is under 250 euro and so well framed. Try and get into see the exhibit while its up.
This is Susans piece it only 125e and is stunning. All profits go to Zest4kids.com so its all for a good cause.
And here is my class!
So Blooms Brasseire on Baggot street (opposite the birth cert place ) and beside Donnybrook fair downstairs.
There is also a raffle for a Signed Limited edition print ticket a euro each.
Well done everyone!! XX

Check out my students work!

2011-11-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

For the last 12 months I have been teaching a group of ten women to paint in my kitchen on a thursday mornings and here are the results!! We are having our first group show on the 6th of December 6 - 8pm in Blooms Brassiere on Baggot street. Everything under 500e...now is the chance to get something fabulous before they become snatched up by galleries!! All great artists and great students!! XX
to preveiw the work go to http://www.donnellysherd.weebly.com/

LAst Two cows!!

2011-11-28T03:36:00.000-08:00

Well just clearing out my studio and getting ready to start a new lump of work! I have 3 piles ....these two are the last two pieces I have left of 2011 (that I love!) Then there is a pile of work in the corner that I am going to rip appart and destroy in about 5 mins!
They are pieces I am not happy with and I can't give them away as it will de-value the current work in the galleries....so every year around this time I take great pleasure in tearing them appart!
The third pile is paintings that need more work.......I like them but they are still not quite there yet!

The game plan is I paint ten and I always hope one will sell. I average painting about 150 - 200 pieces a year small and large. And I work on about 5 - 6 at a time. The oils take so long to dry that I end up re- working them over a period of months. I try to have a show every 3 months just to keep the collection together as my palette changes after a bulk of work. And also with the seasons and my mood.

So after the paintings have done a gallery circuit and don't sell they come home to me. I hav'nt seen them in about a year and by that time my style had evolved again! So rather then keeping them stored in a corner I destry them and start new ones!.

So these two babies are the last of 2011. The last of my current palette! Last special price 500e to mark the end of the year and the launch of my penguin books!! X

The minister and I !

2011-11-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

Well another day in the office!! Had a great morning , I met our new Minister for Children Francis Fitzgerald in the Rotunda. What a lovely women and her speech was so encouraging. I have every confidence in her for the future of our children.

On a lighter note! We launched the celebrity paint a cow! A group of celebs are going to paint a cow for Valentines next year and auction them off! All the proceeds will go to the Rotunda.

Here is a picture of Noel he owns the coffee shop in the Rotunda and looks after all those first cups of tea after the babies are born (the best cup of tea I ever had!) This is his first ever time painting and I think he got a great result! Well done Noel! I better watch my back!!

Great day XX

Christmas painting parties!!??

2011-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Anyone organising xmass office parties??!! We can come into the office and teach everyone to paint a cow, chicken , landscape?? Its like the books step by step. It dos'nt matter if you have never picked up a brush before I will have everyone painting. AND they will be so proud of the finished piece!Everyone gets a finished piece to take home with them.
Taking bookings now. MAx 15 in class . Its great fun and really good for moral!! Email deborahisalways@hotmail.com HO HO HO

Anyone fancy a chicken?!

2011-11-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have the Ireland football match on in the backround! I am trying to write but I was distracted by our new president on the opening of the match. He looks so happy ! When I was doing my book launch in Dublin Zoo in the summer the girls told me that Mary Mc Alease and Bertie (one good thing I know about him!) are responcable for estending the Zoo ( the big open spaces) And in the development Mary Mc Alease got a private entrance into the Zoo from the Aras an Uachtarain .
So any visiting royalty or foreign ministers who visited brought their children to the Zoo through the private entrace. They missed the big long Q's and all the baby strollers.
I can imagine when all the visiters have left for the day Michal D. and his wife strolling through the African Plains .....and maybe that is why he has a constant smile on his face. I would too if there was a Zoo in my backgarden X

What a beautiful day

2011-11-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

The weather this weekend has been amazing ! Just cut the grass and my garden is ready for the snow now! Its getting dark now and I feel like locking myself in the studio. When the sun is shining I feel like I need to be out in it! But in winter I just want to paint.
Watched a brilliant video on utube called Zeitgeist. All about our way of modern living. Its killing us! The philospher has designed a whole new city where we work a four hour day and are completely self-sufficent. I really liked it. Especially the very end. Brilliant.
Get a chance to look at it if you can. Signing off! I am making myself a new headboard for my bed, Yes I fancy myself a bit of a carpenter!!

My Penguin Book!

2011-11-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

Well what a crazy weekend! Got the penguin book off my publishers and hour before Art Ireland! So it was hot off the press! Sold tonnes of copies and thank you to everyone that popped in to say hello.
I am sitting at my computer with my hot water bottle its penguin weather for sure this morning!. That was the busiest Art Ireland I have ever seen.
Its time now to empty my full car, add all those new names to my mailing list, ring Brian in the Waldock gallery in Blackrock and give him my surfer paintings for a client and start my commissions. I love being this busy.
The book should be in all the book shops at the end of the week X

Mean pumpkins!

2011-11-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

My kids pumpkins!
I am waiting here for my husband to take a half day so I can head into Art Ireland and set up my stand. I was up early this morning and made, shepards pie, cajon chicken, lasagne (kiddie food!)....so all my husband has to do is pop them in the oven over the weekend. Its a typical day for a working mom! You have to make sure the kids are all organised before you go to work. And the youngest was up about 3 times last night. SO I am looking forward to handing the house, kids and dinners over to my husband for the weekend and have some fun with grown-ups!
All work will be available in the Waldock Gallery in Blackrock after the show. I will have my prints (starting from 65e upwards) and the penguin book hot off the press!

So I hope to see a few familiar faces over the weekend !! X

Surfs up!

2011-10-24T04:51:00.001-07:00

Surfs up in Lahinch!
Its so wet outside I think I could take my surf board to collect the kids from school.
Good day for painting though!

Dublin city

2011-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

What a week! My husband was off in Malta for the week with his pals (Don't worry this means I can get away now too on my own for a week!" Yes its tit for tat in our house. So first thing I did was order a case of wine.
Which to be honest I did'nt really have much time to pay attention too in the end!
Thursday night I had all the moms up and ended in a sing song with "Gosia! who by the way has an amazing voice. I had a video clip of the evening but alas I am not allowed use it :(
Followed by the grand finale on Saturday night of all the girls coming over for pot luck. And I had another singer in my mist....Katie who sings like an angel and of course X- factor was mentioned on both nights and why is she not singing professionally. I did think next time we can put the two groups of girls together and we have the makings of a girl (mom) band!
So the moral of the story is ....'When ones husband is away everyone beneifts!! Lots of great food, wine, stories and songs and that is why I am only writing now. I'm zonked!
So all I have to do now is decide where I will go for a week .I am thinking of driving to france with a car full of canvas and painting till my arm falls off.....anyone wanna come? X

Kids in the studio again!

2011-10-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is a typical painting day for me. And I'm sure its the same for alot of women painters out there! I thought I could sneak out to the studio and get some work done and sure enough they tracked me down !
I looked down at my leg and I could hear a dog barking. They had the dogs lead around Casey's neck! Of course I can see the danger element here but I thought it was funny too. And I know I should nt be posting it up but its too cute not too share too.
Time to stop painting and give them some attention me thinks! X

Dun Laoghaire Pier (the ice box)

2011-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Brian from the Waldock gallery and Susan from The Greenlane Gallery took all my pieces. There is nothing left in my studio. I feel a little bit sad as it took me a year to work on all those pieces and they are gone. I know its a good complaint but I do feel teary eyed that I will never see them again. Such alot of energy went into each piece. I do know that if the galleries do sell them they will end up in homes where they will be loved and appreciated so there is peace of mind there.......
So now I have to focus on my new work (well once I stop thinking about my old work I will!!)

Culture night tonight! Heading up to Newpark with the kids at 3 for music and then babysitter booked for 8!
Have a lovely weekend out there (if there is anyone out there reading this !)

Dalkey Exhibit Over!

2011-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have time to write! great weekend very different from the old days when people where throwing money at me! Sold six so I am very happy. Alot of payments plans which is good so its easier on the pocket.. And thats how the galleries do it in New York, people pay it like a bill (a nice bill!).
Good night though, we where kicked out at the end of it and ended up in the Queens, I was drinking tea came home about 1am and then the girls where up during the night with coughs! So I am exhausted! They always decide to wake up the night i really need to sleep!
Have all the work around me now and I have Brian from the Waldock Gallery calling in the morning and Susan from the Greenlane gallery to pick out some work.
So its the last time i'll have these pieces in the studio. These are the brightest paintings I've painted in a long time and I just hope the next batch is as good as this one!
Its kind of sad I have to let my babies all go but Can't wait to get started on the new stuff....should be ready sometime next year......the paints take 6 months to dry.
Well thank you to everyone who came especially all my class. You are great support X

My moms work .....crab fishing at seapoint

2011-09-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

Well only two more days before our show and just putting the final touches to the work today. My mom dropped over all her work this morning and I had to show you one of them. I think they are magical.
Looking outside today i don't think there will be many more beach days!
Hope to see everyone on Wednesday! That's if you don't get blown away today X

Bullock Harbour

2011-09-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Good morning, very sad today, one of my best friends mom passed away on wednesday. Its hard to know what to say to her as there is nothing I can say to make her feel better. Its when you feel like this the only thing that makes me feel better is the sea or something really beautiful as its only then you have to believe there is a greater power out there and that everything will be alright.
I'm not a great mass goer but I do believe in meditation , my gut instinct and feeling the love from people.
Tonight is the wake and I know the whole room will be filled with love for this person, That is the energy I wish we could bottle and keep XX

My Little artists!

2011-09-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

They ask me everyday can they paint and today I was so tired I caved in and gave them the oils! I usually give them the poster paints but they know they are different, they know they are dangerous!! (Yes I have had lead poisoning from them)
My studio is in the the garage but I took the old concrete roof off and replaced it with a plastic roof.
My paints are always out as I paint everyday. I usually close the door over "Out of sight, out of mind" BUT !! now they can open the door and are sneaking in.
Evin my eldest boy, when he was younger I always let him paint, I never said "no" and eventually he got bored. It got to the point when I enrolled him in artzone after his first day the teacher said they could'nt get him to paint and gave me the money back! He was sick of painting! Its turns out he was color blind and had difficulty reading the colors. Now I write what each color is on his Oil pastels and his fear is gone.
The girls however are different a different story. They love the girly pinks the crimsons and the peacock blues.....another generation of artists are born! X

ART CLASSES BACK 22nd of SEP!

2011-08-31T02:29:00.000-07:00

Art Classes will begin again Thursday 22nd! Term will be filled with life drawing and guest artists. Thursday mornings will be for anyone who wants help with their own paintings, bring photographs and be prepared to go "Open air" if the weather is good!

NEW CLASS - Friday mornings . This is a "How to paint" class for beginners. Step by step process of how to paint. Classes every friday 9.30 - 11.30 everything supplied.

Evening class - Thursday 22nd of September 7.30 - 9.30. Every third thursday of the month step by step "How to paint " class.

Its going to be a great Term! Also we have a venue for a xmass show so something to work for! XXX (I know ....I can't believe I said xmass ...sorry guys!)

Check out www.DeborahDonnelly.com for more info!

"How to paint a penguin!!" ART EXHIBIT DALKEY CASTLE!

2011-08-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yes he is finally here! My little penguin book. I really like this one. My launch at the ZOO was very funny. I started with the cow and I've seen so many cows that I kind of just moszied along, THEN the penguins....my God it was like a circus, thats was so much fun. The penguin is the new cow! I could'nt stop painting... I thought my arm was going to fall off. There was zillions of kids and the penguins where flopping all over the place, great day. Thanks to all that came especially the mom with the kids that brought the sketchpads and drew along with me. That was really cool.
So my next event is Dalkey Castle & Heritage Center on September 14th - 18th. Books, prints and paintings all available. My mom will have a few pieces there too. Beautiful cafe scenes....Hope to see you there!! XX

How to paint a Penguin Dublin ZOO on wednesday!

2011-08-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

What a busy day today! I was in Kilkenny design on Nassau street today painting and signing my books .A few of my students have their work around Stephens Green this weekend look out for Mary Hughes art ....get it now while its affordable!
I am launching my second book ..." How to paint a Penguin " on wednesday in Dublin ZOO. Big day there so pop along before the kids all go back to school.
Had great news today my books are available in the Tate Museum and Saachi gallery ....they are going from strenght to strength. Thanks everyone for all your support I am very lucky.
My 3 year old has just jumped on my back and demanding her dinner....back to reality! And john should be home from the butcher shop any moment so please try and make the Zoo and support my apprentice Mary around Stephens Green tomorrow .....X- Factor...Not in my house!

Book signing Kilkenny Design shop on Nassau Street this Saturday

2011-08-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first time in two years I have not had an aupair. And its great! I know i have very little time to write on my blog or paint or do anything really...but its the last 2 weeks before they all go back to school. for the first time in 8 years I have no nappies, bottles or prams blocking up the hallway and there is a sence of freedom. I no longer have to hangout with the aupairs and pay someone to mind my children while I paint. I am FREE! For the last 3 years I said goodbye to the kids and then hid in the garage AKA my studio with the kids on the other side of the wall, I would put my walkman on and bring a packed lunch and a flask of tea. I could'nt let the kids know I was in the room next door.
Now for the first time in 36 months I can use my kitchen door into the studio and flick the switch on the kettle for a fresh cup of tea. They will all be at school! So I am sad that the years have flown by but for the first time in a long time I have my home back X

Book signing Kilkenny Design shop 12 to 2 pm (i'll be painting too!)

Free "How to Paint a cow" workshop in Airfield this Sunday!

2011-08-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Doing three workshops in Airfield this Sunday the 14th of August with childrens books Ireland. Booking is essential so try and book you places now. Their website is http://www.airfield.com/ I will be in the big red barn with the cows!You still have to pay in to Airfield but all the events are covered in the entrance price.
Lots of things going on for everyone so check it out!! XX

Lemon trees

2011-07-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

I hav'nt been blogging in awhile...there is always so many things to be done when the kids are off school! I don't get a minutes peace. I also have 3 students and although they are lovely its horrible having to be back at a certain time to get the dinner on.
One of my students had to be grounded for a whole day too (I felt grounded too that day too)
Its been a long 3 weeks but this morning I dropped the Spainish girls off and they where full of hugs, tears in their eyes and I genuinely felt sad they where leaving.......
They where all facinated that my studio was beside my kitchen and I would pop in and out....and they loved art. Even with the language barrier the one thing we all have in common is the love of art!! X

Art Class at killliney hill! Brilliant day

2011-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Great day today ! we all met up on Killiney hill at 8.30 easals and paints on the ready. The morning sunshine was perfect and the enthuasism was tops! A few rocky starts but we all rocked on......great attemps by everyone and I reckon you will be seeing a few of these faces again at Stephens green art fair in August.
A good few artists to look out for in the future (buy them now before their prices rocket!)

After we went for a quick dip and all in all it was a perfect day. I would happily do this every day. Feeling very good and can't wait to paint again tomorrow.

WELL DONE CLASS! X

Dublin Zoo 24th August!

2011-06-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Official book launch in Dublin Zoo on the 24th of august!! keep the date free, i'll be launching the "How to paint a penguin book" and doing workshops throughout the day with the cows, flamingos and penguins!! I was in there all day today. First time I have been to the zoo without the kids. Felt odd but I still went around and looked at the animals. I realised I still went " OH Look at the peacock!!" even though it was to my publishers and not the kids. So I think the zoo brings out the kid in you for sure! I am just lucky I did'nt see the baby giraffe as God knows what I would have said to my publisher then! I probobly would have knocked him over with excitement or tried to put him up on my shoulders so he could see! XX

Stung by a weaver fish!

2011-06-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am only back blogging now after my weekend away. Had a ball!
We are quite simple people really when we don't have the kids pecking at us all the time. We hav'nt been away since our honeymoon together and even then it was only 3 days! (yes we had the kids before we got hitched) I do see now why people d0 all that after (so they get a decent honeymoon!)
So the sunday of the Bank holiday we went on a improvers surfing lesson....although i could of gone to the beginners one! Half way through I thought I stud on a shell, then about 15 mins later my leg started throbbing, I told the instructer and he told me to run up to the lifeguard. When I got out of the water i could'nt walk so I had to hop all the way up.
There where 5 gorgeous lifeguards and they examined my foot. Put my foot in a bowl of boiling water and I had to wait there for an hour. Apparently the weaver fish shoots poison into your foot. I was told I was very calm (I was never a screamer even during labour!) and told me it was going to hurt like hell later. Hence I downed a bottle of wine and brandys that evening.
But it did make me laugh. Last week I found a chicken on the pier and this week a weaver fish.
The funny thing is .....my degree from NCAD is in textile design and I studied weaving. So it was a weaver stung by a weaver!! XX

Off to Dingle for the weekend!

2011-06-01T01:45:00.000-07:00

Off to Dingle, if your a burgler don't get excited I have students and my mates are looking after the kids and dog! The chicken was adopted to a little farm in Howth.
But the responce was great, there are alot of really nice people out there generally worried about my little chicken (I suspect it dos'nt help my husband is a butcher!) but i might add I heard him talking to the chicken " Daddys home...etc .." So he is a bit of a hippy butcher. In fact he is starting meditation classes if anyone wants to learn how to meditate....especailly fi you have a stressful job.

Well the kids said goodbye to the chicken before school and there where tears.....I personnally would prefer to get rid of the dog and keep the chicken (the poo is smaller!) less to clean up.

But now we have put 6 years in to the dog so we must see it through to the end.

Have a lovely day and I am looking forward to lie-ins and goose pillows....yes we are going fancy pance this time !
XX

Anyone want a chicken?

2011-05-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

I was walking Dun laoghaire Pier (the old side!) and I found a chicken! Yes very odd day. I wrapped her up and brought her home. She has been in my back garden running around with the kids. She is so friendly, the kids have been picking her up and she has been great.
BUT! my dog is going mental. Its day 2 and the dog still has'nt settled. I thought I could keep the chicken and maybe the dog and her could be best mates (in an ideal world) but I heard the dog growel today for the first time in six years so the chicken has to go ....(so sad)

But she must have survived the train tracks to get to the pier so she's a surviver and she deserves a good home. My neighbour who kept chickens said she looks very young and is well kept so I reckon she just escaped....
She is great around people, very placid so I do think someone out there is missing here.

So can anyone help???

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

2011-05-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

I am just waiting for the leaving cert to start so the sun will come out! Its always comes out when the students are indoors doing their exams (well in my case it did!)
Have the beach bag ready to go we just need the sun.
Great day yesterday there are lots of good vibes in the air. I even find I am meeting more people lately too. Yesterday all the buses where full passing by UCD and a group of us starting walking into towards town but one person started talking and then everyone joined in. We did'nt need to swop names or numbers but there was good banter. Lifes to short to be grumpy!

SATURDAY JUNE 18TH ALL DAY ART CLASS 75E

2011-05-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

ONE DAY ART CLASS 11AM- 3PM INCLUDES CANVAS, ART MATERIALS AND LIGHT LUNCH. You will have a finished piece by the end of the class. For complete beginners in Oils. Gift vounchers also availble. Max 8 people in class so places limited!

Limited Edition Signed prints!

2011-05-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning!
Had a lovely weekend. I live very near the college of Art in Dun laoghaire and over the weekend I saw two students late in the evening carrying a ladder over to a tree. I did have the thought "i wonder what they are up to!" but thought nothing of it......the next morning there where two wooden swings perfectly hanging from the big tree.
They are perfectly hung and made so well...it was such a treat for the kids......was really surprised and who ever you are out there...well done and thanks!
(maybe tomorroe there'll be a slide!)

Oh and my prints are all finally available!

All prints 23" x 27" including a bright heavy frame. Limited Editions of each and all signed. 180 and includes shipping...have a great day!XX

My students art work! :seapoint (Brilliant i think!)

2011-05-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

Today they painted on canvas for the first time ever! And they where brilliant...we have been using Daler boards but made the jump to the professional canvas today. They all went home really pleased and massive improvement. Just goes to say ...Everyone is born an artist ...the problem is staying one!
One of the girls said before she did the art classes the last time she painted was the leaving cert....but she paints very well and is a natural its just a pity we all give it up after school:(
But I know its hard to find time to sit down and paint we are all so busy chasing our tails. But honestly its like a breath of fresh air...very relaxing and is Very Good for you!
So surprise yourself and Buy some oil paints.
My girls are gone home today with beeautiful pieces they can hang on their walls and be proud. No more store bought prints when you can make them yourself...

Next class this evening.
Must go collect the kids from my ma's, collect evin from school, homework, feed them all (and my students), Get them to bed and next class at 7.30! Loving every second of it !Its so nice to be busy again after those horrible dead recession years...things are looking up again! X

Eat Paint Love!!

2011-05-03T03:59:00.000-07:00

June 10th, 11th and 12th Weekend of Painting, Yoga and Meditation.....And of course gourmet food! All in a beautiful 150 year old stone cottage in Roscrea (Offaly)
Morning meditation (complete beginners welcome) followed by delicious food and lots of art! Also come away feeling toned and refreshed with our own yoga/Pilates teacher.
Saturday will be spent painting the beautiful surroundings in Oils (Beginneers welcome also) All you need is to bring a brush. Very small groups and limited places. Complete relaxation, if you are suffering from stress or anxiety this weekend will give you the tools to enrich your life and Love again...
Tel 0863266226 for more information or check out http://www.deborahdonnelly.com/

How to paint a cockeral!

2011-04-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

2 places available for this thursday evening class "How to paint a cow" 7 to 9 pm in Dun Laoghaire. All you need is brushes, apron, rag and a jar....(25E)
Email Deborahisalways@hotmail.com.
Also complete beginners meditation classes beginning for the summer....anyone stressed out and your mind on over load i would reccomend this class!
Just back from walking the pier,.....another beautiful day!

Everyone is born an artist......the problem is staying one!

2011-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

New class schedule for the next few weeks!

Thursday 21st April Evening "How to paint a cow" 7- 9pm (Places limited for this)
Thursday 28th morning 9.30 - 11.30 "How to paint a beauitful landscape"
Thursday 5th of May morning & evening "How to paint seapoint"
Thursday 12th of May "How to paint Marley Park landscape" Morning and evening class
Tuesday 17th of May "How to paint a pig " (limited places) morning and evening class 7-9
Thursday 19th of May "How to paint a french market scene" morning and evening class

All you need is an apron, jar, rags and brushes . Try and get good water colour brushes (even though we are paintings with oils) I find these brushes the best! These classes are for complete beginners...very relaxing and you will have a finished piece at the end..
Its a step by step process just like the books (another 5 being published this year,,,Hurray!!)

Just relax and learn how to paint in a super relaxed envoiriment!!

What a beautiful day today!

5 year old Sulking

2011-04-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

My five year old took the keys of my car, opened the doors and started the engine. This happened yesterday when I was collecting her from a playdate. I never jumped so fast ...the car was in gear and just leaped up. Luckily I was near enough to it and there where no cars in front but i got the fright of my life!
So of course I had to punish her! This is her sulking in her zebra colored tights in the corner of the room.

Its hard enought finding my keys on a regular basis but now i'll have to hide them somewhere special. I can tell its going to be a Long, long Easter break!

I love Dun Laoghaire Pier even if its raining!

2011-04-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

I nearly got blown off the pier yesterday but I was determined to stick it out! Its the best time to get out and paint, I hide under my raincoat and hat and everything is done in the moment!
I am teaching my class to paint the pier tomorrow so I needed to do my homework. I was very happy with the outcome...you can see the windswept look of the painting and its a big adrenalin rush trying to paint outdoors in the rain!
Yes i was a mess when I came home, paint everywhere and my palette is all blue but good fun!
I'll be back Dun Laoghaire ! theres too many interesting things going on down there just for one painting!

Oh and Daisy was adopted yesterday after I posted that painting....she has gone to a beautiful home in the country!

Daisy!!

2011-04-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

The last of the Big cows! 36 x 36" ........Big and Bold!

Mothers day!

2011-03-28T04:30:00.000-07:00

Give your mom a painting class! Something different from the usual flowers and chocolates!
Classes going very well...first few where a bit nerve-wrecking but have a few regulars now so thats a good sign. I just need a bigger studio now...anyone have a lovely big old romantic room I can teach from in the dun laoghaire area?
With all the empty shop space in the town its impossible to get into them . I wish there was a 'pay as you go' shop system. I could do my drop in classes then...
Anyway another beautiful day ! Back to work ...

Clare's night Cafe!

2011-03-23T04:16:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day! This is another of my moms...eating Al Fresco by the moonlit sky.....Its the simple things in life, eating good food, watching the kids play, lunch outside and good company. Who needs to book a holiday abroad when the days are like this! Its going to be a GREAT DAY! X

Summer is here!

2011-03-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! (well sort of!) time to eat outdoors, dust the cobwebs off the BarbQ , Turn off the telly and buy some art!! This is one of my moms paintings its 12 x 16....beautiful piece...Ya can almost smell the coffee! X

How to paint Sandycove!

2011-03-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

The Deborah Donnelly school of art is finally here!!

I am teaching classes from my studio for complete beginners. All you need is a plate, jam jar, rags and brushes (one big one and one small one preferably water color brushes)

The classes hold 6-8 people so you will be getting individual attention. Its a great form of relaxation and Hopefully you will have a finished piece by the end.

Its a step by step process (just like the "How to paint" books ) and good fun.

Starting out with Thursdays 9.30 to 11.30 and evenings 7.30 to 9.30

Next class Thursday the 24th of March "How to paint a beautiful landscape" (This is the landscape featured in House and home Jan/ feb issue)

Following dates :

March 31st - How to paint a cow
April 7th - How to paint Dun Laoghaire Harbour
April 14 - How to paint Sandycove
April 21st - How to paint a Cockeral

May 5th - How to paint Marley Park house.
May 12th - How to paint Dun laoghaire Harbour
May 19th- How to paint a pig
May 26th - How to paint Trees

You will have a finished piece after each class (if you work hard!) and its a very relaxed pleasant atmosphere.
Impressionism is a fun easy way to learn art. Its all about bright colors.......If you're gonna be Blue be BRIGHT BLUE!

The classes are in Dun Laoghaire and are 25euro p.p. If you have a group and would like to request an alternate date just ask!

The great big circus starts today in Goverment Buildings! very exciting!

2011-03-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Listening to Ryan Tubs this morning welcoming all the new TD's and its very exciting. Lovely to see young married couples going in and if any one knows the pressures of having kids, massive morgage, childcare, medical I think they do!
Or if your like me I bought an investment property (appartment) well it was my first home, I held on to it (BIG MISTAKE!) and now I have to add 400 euro a month to the rent. Which sometimes I don't have.
I did miss a few payments. I told them they can have it back but they won't take it back!
But maybe it will come back around again and I'll know to sell it a the right time...(I'm sure I'll be old and grey by then!)
But looking forward to seeing the 6'O Clocker news and our new Goverment! I have a really good feeling about them......for now :)

Painting class!

2011-03-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

March the 10th filled up! So Tuesday 15th 10 - 12.30 available and Friday 18th 7-9.30 (I think in this class we can substitute a glass of wine instead of a cuppa tea! Class is in Dun Laoghaire in my studio (I forgot to add that in!)

Complete Beginners Classes!

2011-03-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Right ! Action to be taken! I am going to give complete beginners class. I will supply everything and tell you what type of paints, easel and canvas you need to start painting. My mates are always saying they want to paint but don't know where to start. Its a once-off class and if you decide painting is for you then come to the next one. There are 6 -8 to a class so you are getting attention to detail. Must like impressionism painting and its a good starter class if you want to get into painting.
I was in Ikea on friday and I could'nt believe the amount of people buying the printed canvas pictures when they could be doing their own.
Remember the famous saying "Everyone is born and artist the problem is staying one!" I AGREE!!

Classes begin Thursday 10th morning 9.30 - 11.30
Tuesday 15th 9 - 11.30
Friday 18th 7- 9.30
Saturday 19- 9.30 - 11. 30

Its 25euro each and everything supplied. Bring old plate, old rag , if you have any brushes or paints bring them with you but not essential. This is a start up class! 0863266226
If there is a group of you I can arrange a different date to suit you all.

My Ma's work

2011-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of my moms paintings.I snuck into her studio and took some photographs. My mom takes months before she lets a painting leave the studio. Very detailed and brilliant pieces of work. She is a great influence over my work. When I grow up I want to be just like her! X

Happy Valentines day!

2011-02-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

This is Stephens green yesterday feeding the swans.
Had a great weekend. The grannies took the kids and we headed up to leopardstown races. Hav'nt been to the races in years and there was a great buzz up there. I got tonnes of pictures of horses and the sun was shining brightly. They are such beautiful animals I have to paint them .
And Happy Valentines day! My Valentines day was Saturday at the races so I'm still loved up!
Not much to say I am just going to tuck into my paints today!
XX

More trees!

2011-02-02T02:07:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to stop painting trees this month. Maybe its to get away from all the noise in my house. I have been walking alot up in Dalkey Quarry so maybe that has alot to do with it. My sub-conscience is telling me I need lots of fresh air and to hug a tree.
Thank God its finally Spring. I don't think I could face another day in January. They should have made January a leap year, 31 days is far too long. I am still working like mad. I stick my walkman on in the mornings and just burst into painting mode. Mornings are the toughest part of the day getting the kids ready all in the space of and hour. The quickest hour of the day is between 7.30 and 8.30. And even when I leave early I am still late!
Its the layers I have to put on them every morning. So when 9am comes its work and Oh boy do I look forward to it.
I love my kids but working (A.K.A painting for me) is just a time all to myself and its the only time I feel free and its almost like a good night out or a lovely snog. But it sets me up for the whole day and my mood is instantly lifted. I am fully prepared for when they all come home demanding another piece of me.
So today I am going to paint for trees and feel the fresh air on my face ! XX

Big Old tree

2011-01-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

My sketch book is full of trees lately.
December was a full month with parties and people and January is full of long walks and trees! X

2011-01-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first painting of 2011.
What a lovely morning, my husband finally took a day off work (he's a butcher so xmass was his busiest time ever!) I am just back from a stroll on the pier and a lovely lunch in maos. I was up early at 7 and painted till 11 and got lots of work done.
I feel like spring is in the air now and my cadinum yellow is back on the scene again...phew! its was dark blues and greens for December but my mood has lifted. The sunshine is back again!

This is a big year, I have a show in London (its the same place Damien Hirst had his first show) I am really excited about that. the books are back in re-print after selling out and I would like to thank everyone for using them as stocking fillers!

So i'm back in the studio and trying to get a few more hours in before the kids get back and its homework time :)

laters..!

Big cock little hen!

2010-12-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well what a month! I had to cancel Mayo this weekend because of the snow but everything else went great. Thanks to everyone who showed up in the freezing conditions and also to the family that have nine of my paintings!! I could'nt believe it! That was really cool meeting them
I just swept the snow off my footpath out side and I am not taking the car out until all of it is gone again. I got stuck last week in the snow and blocked the whole road on Kill avenue!
So thats it...I hope everyone has a lovely xmass and thanks for the few sales the last few months...maybe there is a change coming....a good one XX

Little orange pub!

2010-12-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Love this one....its a place we all want to be in when it snows!! 10 x 8 framed 375

Waldock Gallery Blackrock!

2010-11-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Mad day today, thunder and lighting though out the night, then snow in the morning.....its like being in a Harry Potter film! Just feel warm now! Made a big pot of mulled wine and now I am sitting down collecting the thoughts of the day. And it was a great day! Everybody is very nice. Today I painted LIVE in Blackrock shopping center for 4 hours. No one shouted out "Thats crap!"(thank God!) everyone was really nice and I do have that warm fussy feeling inside.
Thanks to my publishers today who where very funny! they are an Irish publishing company and there toes where so cold that Eamon wanted to pure the hot chocolate into his socks today to keep warm....Bless!
So I had a really good painting day my favourite being the last one of Bullock Harbour. In fact i think that pulled the most crowd today. Just when I thought everyone wanted to see cows...No no you like the other stuff too !!

Big hurray to the Waldock gallery A.K.A Brian and Geraldine, its an independent gallery so they really looked after me today and I have been with them now for 9 years and they are just really cool people.

So signing off ...(No not to watch X-Facter! And yes I hope Wagner wins!) I am just going to chill out , listen to music and look at my art collection (Yes I like collecting art too!) ITS FOOD FOR THE SOUL!!!XXX

Painting LIVE Tomorrow! 25% off everything!

2010-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am just back from my book launch in Derry. Great night , painting all day and signing books. In bed by 9pm (very rock and roll I know!) But my energy does be zapped after the long drive!!
The Mc Gilloway gallery in Derry is just a little bubble of positive energy and the walls are filled with food for the soul (art!) and I always feel good there.
Tomorrow I am in Blackrock shopping center with the Waldock gallery. Have just come back from dropping all my BIG paintings down there. I will be taking over the whole floor.
I think I will have to bring my hot water bottle with me its so darn cold.
Hopefully there will be a good turn out although I know the march is on tomorrow (I wanted to go to that too!) but I think I'll just get everyone painting instead!! XX

Lahinch painting weekend!

2010-11-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well I was painting all day in Carmels art gallery , it was great. Thanks to all the folks that turned out and all the kids that messed up my palette! Yes I let the kids free on the oil paints and they loved it ! Sorry moms about all the ruined cloths but it was great to see them getting so INTO the art.
It is very relaxing and enjoyable, I think everyone should have painting cloths and a messy palette!
Now this is a picture of my husband. We are always so tired and we think we are getting so old and wrinkly but I think my husband looks really hot here and I had to share it with you!
(By the way thats my surf board his one is pink!) Its good to get out of Dublin every now and again and throw yourself into the sea.
Great weekend and thanks to Carmel and Kennys art gallery your hospitality shows no end. And the mulled wine was a lovely touch (especially after being kicked around in the sea!) XX

Lahinch here I come!

2010-11-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

I am in Lahinch Art Gallery all day tomorrow. So please pop in and say hello! I am going to be painting LIVE and if you have any images or photos you would like me to paint please bring them along!
Can't wait!!XX

Litttle Norma

2010-11-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

I just bought some canvas today and I am going to stretch some frames for the weekend. I am going to treat saturday in Lahinch as a painting day. I have my lights and paints ready to go (and i'll be packing the surf board too!) although I hav'nt surfed in about two years now I just hope its like riding a bike!
LAHINCH HERE WE COME!!

How to paint a cow

2010-11-10T01:51:00.000-08:00

The book is out!! Available in all book shops from now on!! Suitable for all ages and its only the bargain price of 6.99!! Or available online at www.associatededitions.ie

2010-11-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone from Art Ireland!
Just got in the door, sore feet but still on a high, a great day! Sold out of the nooks today (but will have more for tomorrow!) My demonstration is tomorrow at 2pm so pop along! Your tickets can be used for another day if you hold on to them. Just came home, fed and bathed the kids and now its time to have a nice glass of wine and talk the ear off my husband about all the COOL people I met today!! XX

2010-11-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

Art Ireland this weekend. Hanging is today so I am bust just putting things in frames and honestly a bit nervous. I hav'nt done Art Ireland in a long time and I just hope the books sell. I'll let you know how I get on...fingers crossed XX

The organic market

2010-10-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

I would like to say in the Donnelly household today we shall eat cake! Thanks to the Greenlane gallery in Dingle I sold 3 paintings today! And only one was a cow! A very good day. I have been selling here and there but not 3 in a day since the Big bad BOOM bust up. And funny enough after I got the call I had a great day working in the studio. I just feel like "Phew!" I can keep painting, I don't feel bad about my little'ist being minded in the mornings while I paint. As when I do have days like today it dos'nt make me feel guilty for painting all the time. Or thinking about painting when they are all in bed. Yes today there shall be cake. Amen to that XX

2010-10-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Can anyone relate to this image, its the sandpit in the big new super playgrounds that are cropping up everywhere.This is where I spent most of today, brought the sketchpad and it was very enjoyable although messy as the kids just don't stay still! Mid-term breaks? Things are so tight I think you have to be more inventive of what to do with the kids all the time. They are fed up with the dead zoo ( I bring them there all the time as its free!) and then the weather is getting bad so it gets tougher to get out. I did the whole pumpkin thing on Monday and I think tomorrow I'm going to put a scarecrow in the front garden! XX

Curly Locks!

2010-10-27T02:05:00.001-07:00

I Love spring !

2010-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm really feeling the cold today. We went up to Marley Park last night for the fireworks (Great night by the way) but when it was all over the rush to get home and warm again took forever! The kids loved it and fell asleep in the car on the way back which was great! So we just put them straight in to bed and tucked into a pavalova (homemade..yes I love cooking too!)
Only two weeks to go now till Art Ireland and I am trying really hard to get everything dry by then, which dos'nt help with this weather. XX

This is what I woke up top this morning! My birthday today!

2010-10-21T06:58:00.001-07:00

Where I want to live!

2010-10-20T02:46:00.000-07:00

The secret path

2010-10-15T04:04:00.000-07:00

Little cottage

2010-10-14T03:59:00.001-07:00

MOO! (again)

2010-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Art Ireland

2010-10-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

Does anyone want tickets for Art Ireland ? have 200 compliments if anyone wants one PM me your address and I'll post them out (on condition you buy one of my paintings!) kidding ...happy to get people in the doors.
I will be doing a live demonstration and a new set of work to see xx

2010-10-10T04:18:00.001-07:00

Piece of cake guys ...

2010-10-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

crazy day!

2010-10-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Very busy day, I had three calls from galleries looking for more work so I think kids, the market is picking up again! (Phew no more buying the unidentified dented tins in Lidl!) Big news too Gary Rhodes has all my big pieces over in London and is going to help with my London show next year. So sit tight everyone, I'll announce dates in the new year so you can all book your flight and we can all go to a posh London gallery opening for a change (leave the kids behind though!)
Well the venue is top secret at the moment but you will kick yourselves when I do announce it! (fingers crossed still)
All in all I am still a domestic engineer (mother) and the kids and lover (husband) have no idea of my big plans yet. I never like to talk about things until they are done! And this is like a diary that nobody reads so I feel I can tell myself it will all happen.
On the whole a very productive day xx

Bull fight 5 ft x 5ft

2010-10-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Clay

2010-10-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

I bought a big bag of clay on friday and I have been working with it all weekend. when I lived in Georgia in the States I taught in an art center and one of the things I just took to was the pottery room. It was The Coastal Center for the arts on St. Simons Island in Georgia. It was a very wealthy Island alot of film stars lived there and all the houses had their own private access to a beech where there where always dolphins swimming in it.. There was also a swamp on the island and it was full of rattlesnakes. I remember cycling home one evening after playing around with clay and I rolled over what I thought was a black stick but it was a snake! It got tangled in my front wheel and I had to lift my legs up over the peddles untill the snake fell out!
I learnt all about alligaters, racoons and flying cockroaches.
I stayed in the states for five years and rarely had a penny. But one thing that kept me going was the art and the other artists I met.
I read all the sunday papers today and feel miserable after all the stories about our country going down the tubes. My aunty Marge asked me this morning "What is everyone supposed to do ? Think deborah your great with ideas!" and the only think I could come up with was "Learn to paint" . Its hard setting up but all you have to do is throw a sheet on the ground and practice on some paper. Drawer your kids, your dog or even a flower in your back garden. Its a therapy and its free xx

Autumn

2010-10-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yes thats me in the discover ireland adverts!!

2010-09-28T01:17:00.001-07:00

Monday and still on a high!

2010-09-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Great night culture night, brilliant buzz in town and lots of coverage everywhere. I had the kids with me so I had to leave early, its the first night I hav'nt worked culture night in a long time. Also i got a check this morning from one of my galleries so that also helps! Its been very quiet for a while. My man always said I was on footballers wages during the boom! Well now its the total opposite but I am still painting as much as I did in the ' Good oled days!'. It was never about the money after all..... its an itchy feeling around the heart, you just can't scratch!! xx
(I'm up in marly park today painting that poor worn out house on the way to the playground) I want to live there with the squirrels!

2010-09-24T03:22:00.001-07:00

Culture night!

2010-09-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

I will be heading in with the kids to the wax museum, I hav'nt seen the place since its moved. Although with all the events going on up in IMMA i kind of wish i had of booked a babysitter!

Working on some new work at the moment, all to do with the sea again.....I keep going back to it. I keep longing to go out west to get bashed around by the waves in my wetsuit. I think i was a fish in my previous life!

Stephens green

2010-09-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

Its my frankys birthday today and always as a treat we where brought into town on our own with our mom and bought a pressie. And alas Ixx find myself doing the same thing with franky...4 today!

2010-09-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

2010-09-17T01:52:00.000-07:00