Painting Inishowen Weekend

This is a weekend course.

This weekend course will cover a range of landscapes from seascape, farmscapes and mountain views.

We gather in the living area of our Artists’ Retreat cottage on Saturday morning for Teas/Coffees and locally made scones with homemade jam, giving ourselves time to get introduced and set up in the studio.

The morning begins with a re-introduction to oil paints as a medium, colour theory and experimenting with an en plein air palate. We will remind ourselves about composition, colour use and depth while painting. After this morning session you will be well equipped and more confident in preparing for our afternoon session on site.

Lunch will be served around the table with vegan based soup and breads, a tour of the garden and preparations for our afternoon adventure. Tips and hints will be given on my own lightweight en plein air setup.

There are several sites within a few minutes’ drive from our Artists Retreat and a few within walking distance. Sites will be chosen with consideration with participants with consideration towards mobility limitations. Depending on weather conditions and wind direction we will set off for our afternoon of painting. Participants may be required to use their own transport to/from sites. We will endeavour to car share where possible.

On Sunday morning we may gather at the cottage or on site depending on preferences.

With teas, coffees and scones, we will share our thoughts and experiences from yesterday and set off for our morning painting session.

Returning to the cottage, we will enjoy a late lunch and begin to gather our thoughts and directions in pulling together our work. Each artist may have an average of four paintings to show for their weekends labour!

Those who stay at our Artists’ Retreat Accommodation are very welcome to access the art studio in the evenings, the outdoor seating area and gardens, and the fire bowl.

Our Cottage Gallery exhibits the artwork of resident artist Sinéad Smyth, including drawings and paintings both old and new. Works are available for sale on enquiry. You can view Sinéad’s latest work at www.sineadsmyth.com

This is a beautiful opportunity to discover Inishowen, Co. Donegal on a very different level. Really connecting with the energies of the land and sea on this unique peninsula, through observation, painting and just being still.

Some experience of oil painting would be useful but not necessary as our experienced tutor and resident artist Sinéad Smyth will guide you through the entire process. If you would prefer to use Acrylic paints you are, of course, very welcome to do so.

An alternative to on site painting will be available in the Studio, if weather is poor. We are delighted to offer projected imagery and the use of photographic references which you are invited to bring for your own use.

Please bring your own photographs and/or drawings to use in case of poor weather.

Cost €170 for the weekend (accommodation not included).10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. 8 participants. Tea/coffee & scones provided. Light lunch provided.

Please bring your own materials. We can supply materials at a reasonable price, but you would need to let us know in advance.

A suggested Materials List will be emailed four weeks in advance of your course. Please let us know of any dietary requirements on booking.

Accommodation

We have reduced rate accommodation in two twin rooms (for up to four people) at our Artists' Retreat during our art course weekends. It's reduced because the living room/kitchen and toilet areas are used by other course participants during the day.

Our reduced Painting weekend 2025/26 rates are €50 per person sharing, €75 for two nights (Fri & Sat). Or €70 per person single room supplement, €100 for two nights (Fri & Sat). Please contact sinead@artstaysdonegal.com to book as booking is not available on the website for these weekends.

If our artists’ retreat accommodation is already booked, we can recommend other local places to stay nearby.  Our Eircode is F93HNR3

You can view our rooms here: artstaysdonegal.com.