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Pictures
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The Ireland Group
Frieda O'Connell (Marketing Officer, the Irish National
Stud, Kildare) and Roy Miller SEA (Workshop Tutor)
Margaret Kennedy and Ken Stewart of the Ireland group
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Report
After an almost uneventful early morning drive to Kildare, the group
met at the Irish National Stud. For the first item on the agenda, Tony,
who was a mine of information, gave us a fascinating tour of the whole
establishment. His talk was delivered with humour and a deep understanding
and affection for his charges. The stallions were a joy to observe
enjoying life in their paddocks. We were shown how these paddocks were
built for strength and safety, but yet allowing these magnificent horses
space and freedom. Two exceptionally popular old-stagers, Vintage Crop and
Danoli live there in luxurious and well-earned retirement; they posed
obligingly for us, just like professionals.
Further on were the mares and foals. They have much closer contact with
the huge numbers of visitors than the stallions. It is marvelous to think
that the little creature nuzzling your hand could someday grow up into a
multi-million pound animal like his or her parents. The relaxed atmosphere
helps to make contented and easily handled animals as well as putting
their visitors at ease. The staff were helpful and charming, everyone
seemed to appreciate their beautiful surroundings and to take a pride in
maintaining the highest standards.
We explored the world famous Japanese Gardens adjoining the Stud, these
are a masterpiece of design and would delight any gardener, (or artist,
for that matter!) In the grounds the Irish President, Mary McAleese opened
a further exciting innovation, in 1999. The central low-lying marshland
was transformed into extensive water gardens with lakes, waterfalls and
imaginative buildings. The area is named St. Fiachra's Gardens after the
patron saint of gardeners.
We managed to fit in some work during the day, with a great deal of
help and encouragement from our workshop tutor Roy Miller SEA as we all
picked our various spots and models to work on. In the late afternoon we
all met up again and compared and contrasted our methods and styles of
painting.
After a most convivial evening and excellent dinner, everyone went
their various ways and met up again the next morning to continue their
studies. Again, everyone appreciated the privilege of the being in such
wonderful surroundings and thoroughly enjoyed their day. Joanne Armstrong
has done a marvelous job of organisation to enable the meeting to take
place and Sheila Armstrong was very warmly thanked for her gourmet lunches
which kept everyone in good spirits for the afternoon sessions. All of us,
however, were especially grateful to Roy for his patience and expertise.
It was a great pleasure to listen to such an expert and to see some
reproductions of his work.
Roll on the next merry meeting!
Margaret Mathews
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