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 marvellous

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 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

Ireland Group Workshop

17th and 18th June 2003. Irish National Stud, Kildare

Last April I decided to investigate the possibility of painting a well known racehorse.I knew

that former Champion Hurdler Istabraq was enjoying retirement at the home of his owner,

Mr J P McManus in County Limerick and decided he would be an excellent subject.

When I contacted Mr McManus's office I was delighted to be put through to the owner himself and he very

kindly agreed to allow me to meet Istabraq.

I was extremely impressed with the professionalism of Mr McManus and his staff and really appreciated this

wonderful opportunity to meet the legendary racehorse.

I have now painted a series of studies of Istabraq one of which was presented to the top Irish event rider at

the European Eventing Championships in Punchestown on Saturday 20th September.

Joanne Armstrong

Joanne Armstrong (Ireland Group Coordinator),Roy Millar

S.E.S.(Visiting Tutor),Frieda O'Connell (National Stud

Marketing & Promotion Officer) and Gerardine Sheridan

The

S

SE

EA

A

Website

www

.equestrianar

tists.co

.uk

The Society's website includes reference information,an extensive SEA event calendar and up-to-the minute status of activities,such as the Annual

Exhibition.If you've not already used it,please try it out!

One of the advantages of being a member of the Society is the ability to have your own area on the web site.With a portfolio of your work,text that

you wish to have displayed and the flexibility to have your area updated as often as you like,this represents an asset which some web designers charge

£200 per year for.This valuable facility is available FREE to members of the Society.Also included is an email forwarding service to allow you to use an

address such as br

uce

.wynn@equestr

ianar

tists.co

.uk

offering a somewhat more professional image than br

uce377@sr

ingf

ield.freeser

v

e

.co

.uk

or

br

uce377@hotmail.com

.

For details of how to get your work on the web,see the website www

.equestr

ianar

tists.co

.uk

and click on the link 'Members (all categories) - getting your

work on the Web' at the top of the page.You will also find details of how to contact me if you need advice in this area.

Painting an Irish Sporting Legend