Kerry's Artists Way - A visit to Pauline Bewicks Gallery & homeland.
Pauline Bewick, A tribute to one of Irelands Greatest illustrators. May She Rest in Beautiful Peace.
Pauline Bewick - no doubt one of Ireland's most acclaimed artists, announced in 2005 that, at the age of seventy, she was planning to donate a vast collection of her paintings back to Ireland, these wonderful paintings now in a permanent exhibitiion. Split between 3 venues, a travelling gallery, waterford institute of technology and Killorglin town Centre, Kerry, the third of these galleries which I was privilaged to visit and see her work - displayed and telling her story from as far back as 3 years of age.
Pauline herself was born in England and raised in Kerry by her mother Harry, where she now lives near carragh lake, present and continuously drawing.
Pulaines is a tremendous colourist, evoking emotional values and energies, showing off her harmonies with life and the world illustrated through her own eyes and values. there is also a profound spiritual effect felt through her work, that i see as a huge expression of gratitud, a hymn of colour to her homeland, Kerry, and her surrounding warm people. A world of light is depicted, A homage to the Yin and Yang of Kerry, an energy which, as an artist I can connect with and experience her joy and sensuality, through her work.
With huge praise and thanks to her mother Harry, Pauline creates a simple message of happiness and of being alive, a clear sighted mindfulness, a blessing seen through her art. A pure Joy.
'The Art in Lunching & Dining' - Showcase 2018/19
They say it is rare and exciting for two creative people or groups to come together and do something in close colaboration. And now I am currently very pleased to announce a showcase of my work in 'Brother Hubbards North', Capel Street, 2 fantstic guys who with greatest honour, chose my work to be displayed in their beautiful surroundings and where, a nice variety of my pieces can be seen from my 4 collections to date.
Why not pop in and enjoy some delicious lunch while viewing an extensive collection from my 'In Blooms' range, inspired by the lush landscape of Dalkey Dublin.
Happy viewing & Shopping and spread the magic around!
Shop online also @ www.sineadrock.ie
Brother Hubbards, located on 153 Capel Street North. Dublin 1
. xxSR
The writing on the wall - Graffiti or Art?
As I travel to many destinations i am always taken back by the array of city street colours - Graffiti as they call it, I would like to call it an explosion of art work, an expression of uncontrolable intoxicating fun! is it ok to enjoy?!!! .
From Rome with extravagance.
from the image above I could see how many cultures were brought together, each designing their own way to love and to communicate & show off the face of their unique style.
Salzburg Hall Of Fame.
Under the passageway leading into Salzburg muical City sees the most spectacular display of music adorned in an expression of hairy colour.. what a show if you ask me!
And the créme de la créme is a mecca to the musical icon born in Salzburg.. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart... where music explodes in swirling colourful scoops, nicely depicting his extravagance and intelligence, a graffiti masterpiece to the musical Master!
Dublin Streets - Rear of wexford Street.
And to where is seems the graffiti artists buddy together and create a mecca of colour! in true graffiti Art style - tongues flaring and happiness felt around. What a street!
take a spray along your streets and see how they tell a story!!
Have fun!! XX SR
Once upon a time in Fairytale Alsace
One of my favourite regions Ive come across as an artist to inspire me, is the 'Alsace' region , a beautiful group of fairyland villages located in north eastern area of France, where cities are dotted with half timbered medieval buildings and flower lined canals, a land full fo colour and magical charm.
COLMAR, a city where you can find the most prettiest village, a very inspirational city that holds secret visual scenes from Disneys ‘Beauty and The Beast’ and it is not hard to see why.
Walking the streets of Colmar is like walking through a real life fairytale, with wooden turrets, resembling Rapunzals tower, tiny cottages that would ideally suit the 7 Dwarfs and candy coloured shops and bakeries, right out of a ‘Hansel and Gretal’ world. Collar, lying in the north eastern boarder of France, a short train ride from Switzerlands ‘Basel’ airport will take you directly to a true dream come true. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, while it holds the french natural ‘Belle France’ charm, while clearly influenced by it’s neighbours. It is a truly preserved french village, with an abundance of pretty features, flower pots and uneven cobblestone streets.
It is an ideal base for exploring the fairytale Alsace region.
Fairytale squares seen above - chocolate box houses where on every corner you stop and wow!
Smells of Baking line the streets too.
Ribeauville.
A village about 5KM from Colmar set along the Alsace's wine producing region, is probably the most medieval of all.
Riquewihr
A colourful gem...
The most colourful playland Ive come across, where plenty of chocolate box houses dot a very very!!! busy touristic village, heaved with shops, themed restaurants and defining art galleries... a joy:)
Kaysersberg
And then to Kaysersberg.. when you think one can't get any better than the previous village, this is mind-blowing. Prettiness excels.
And lastly to Eguisheim.
Set directly from a storybook, featured in the beloved movie "Beauty & The Beast' It has to be seen to be believed. The streets are said to resemble a 'swiss roll' the sweet story unwinds, dotted with the most beautiful tiny house full of charm.. a dream come true.
Taking a short trip to the alsace will not disappoint only excite the child within:) be prepared to skip and sing !!! XX SR.
(Accommodation - plenty of bnb's to be found - an ideal base)
Welcome To ‘Toyland Austria’.
Austria.. A truly breathtaking country that is just perfect in every way. A country that leads your imagination towards dream land, ignites your creative fire and lifts your soul with its beautiful rolling hills.. a time to rest from the ordinary and fill your heart with warmth of nature and see that ‘The Hills Are Alive’
Austria’s style is radically different to many European countries, keeping its own simplified uniqueness, mostly incorporating the beautifuly natural formations, from mountains, rivers, streams, to its pretty floral tyrolean villages. I was completely surprised how Austria’s culture manages to encorporate such simplicity in every way, and to find myself dreaming of a fairyland and adventure into toyland.
I began my travels in a small village outside ‘Zell Am See’ known as Kaprun. Each of these are well known ski destinations but hidden gems in the summer.
I wanted to explore this region, merely for its toy land villages and see for myself how the region could influence my art development.
Travelling towards Kitzbuhel, from Kaprun, is absolutely such a gorgeous drive, where during the drive of about 1 hour, I was literally blown away by such incredible natural beauty.. again not believing it was real, so beautiful that it really is mind blowing. Along the trail, high up in the mountains you are greeted by toy like trains, colourful villages and dream like rolling farmlands.. so cute it definitely got me thinking of little boys and adorable toys.
I also took a trip to the German border of lake Koenigsee, a natural lake with its most beautiful church of ‘St Bartholomew’ literally again taken from a toy village, and a lake so clear, your reflection smiles back at you.
A trip to Austria is never complete without a visit to ‘Salzburg’ once again driving through the most incredible lush mountain our scenery to reach a complete fairytale untouched town, one that literally personifies a ‘Disney Set’.
Salzburg is a must for all music buffs, heaped with stories from the infamous ‘The Sound of Music’ and Mozarts birthplace. It is a city that I found to be the master of baroque architecture with some beautiful playful additions of obscure stunning street signs, to magical fairy gardens of ‘Mirabell gardens’ where the magic of the ‘Sound of Music was created’ and remains untouched to date.
From Yodelling, to dancing, to dreaming Austria is a true dreamy destination, and a destination worth seeing for anyone loving nature, music or simply just living in Fairyland!. XX SR
Belle Provence.
Its always joyful to stumble across something different. And so, I began my scenic breakaway basing myself in the heart of Aix En Provence, a town full of vintage shops, hip trendy buzzing atmosphere.
Take a trip to the beautiful Aix En Provence..
Oh its worth it!. The approach to the town never fails to surprise, you sense that something special awaits, it is a truly magical town. There is something so completely wonderful and warm about Aix, I constantly am drawn to return year after year. It has such atmosphere with its narrow winding streets, boutiques and café's occupying the ground floor to some of the most stunning architectural buildings, there is a rich avangarde aristocratic feel to the region. Fountains tinkle in little squares and tourists stroll gracefully down traffic free streets such as cours Maribueau, the elegant main street in Aix. Every Friday hosts the most wonderfully colourful market and a visit to Place Rochelle food market is a must.
Aix en Provence is a place that works, whether for artists, gourmet lovers, or even visiting for a pampering cultural short trip, it never fails to fill your heart with such warmth!
Along the fabulous roads took me deep into the Cote Provencal region - Le Jardin De Provence, where, my world became a ball of colour, ever peaceful, ever present and ever grateful to see such beauty.
Route - The ultimate Luberon Valley guide - the heart of Provence.
From Aix en Provence travel north towards Pertuis, stopping along the main view points of Villelaure, Cadanet, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Bonnieux and Roussillon. These beautiful small hill top villages certainly won't disappoint and will guide you deep into provence , its lavender fields & farming scene, Bursting Poppy fields, and rows of rapeseed fields.
It is a place where time has seemingly stood still and you can capture this magnificent charm throughout these unspoilt historical villages. The rows of colour is a sight only to be dreamt of, and holds a deep profound calmness and warmth in my heart.
A trip like this, from Aix en provence will take you 1 day. Directions are well signposted. I suggest a good road map along with sat navigation, as you can find some exclusive tiny village spots hidden and worth exploring.
I based myself in a beautiful farmstead - with easy access to Pertuis to begin my journey into the hills. (also within 15 minute walk into the heart of Aix en Provence. (www.lemoulindespinchinats.com)
The Luberon valley really is one of the most beautiful places you'll visit, it excites the scenes with its gorgeous sights, smells and tastes. It completely invigorates the soul - that is unquestionably for sure, and you will leave with memories from your time in the region the will last deeply! Bonne Vacance :) XX SR
All the colours of 'Nicolas De Staél'
A short trip from the Cote D'azur took me to the heart of Provence and the beautiful lively market town of Aix En provence to delve further into history and heart of art in southern France, exploring some galleries and artists influenced by the region.
The former capital of Provence, Aix en Provence is a stunning graceful lively city, known for its connections with art and the home of Cézanne, with its many fountains, the beautiful main street of Cours Mirabeau and its many universities and art schools. For gallery lovers I would recommend a stop at 'Hotel de Caumont, Centre D'art', located just a few steps from Cours Mirabeau, one of the most beautiful private mansions in Aix en Provence. Currently showing the work of Nicolas De Staél & Mark Chagall, both hugely influential painters and illustrators in France.
I was privileged to see the work of Nicolas De Staél, a painter known for his use of thick impasto and highly abstract landscape paintings (sketches featuring illustrations). Between the year of 1953 and 1954, De Staél's painting period was a turning point in his career by drawing new inspiration from Provence. As I said, mostly abstract in style, there is a beautiful representation of his illustrations in his sketch books and work throughout the gallery.
His discovery of the midday sun, the exceptional beauty of the landscape, it was the intence experience with solitude that enabled him to produce such fantastic striking works - all experiences that nourished his imagination and so his fame grew in heart in provence.
De Stael began his art career in Brussels, travelling to Paris to study at the 'Academie Des Beaux Arts, where he became very close to the artist George Braque.
With the use of strong bold blocks of colour , De Staél depicts the sunspaces, seascapes and observation of light that changed during the day. He was compared to the works of Rothko, where both painters works can be described as 'Blocks V's Blocks', also his work so strongly abstract that it was mentioned he veered towards contemporary art and including him in 'Pop Art' of the 1960's. His work is strongly influenced by local artists alike, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne and Vermeer.
Nicolas De Stael's work can be seen in 'Hotel De Cumont' Centre D'art (Aix en Provence) until 23rd September 2018, and also some work can be found in 'The Tate London, and George Pompidou Centre, Paris.
www.caumont-centredart.com
Lisbon Delights - A new colourful adventure.
Ever Wonder where they hide the colours in Europe.. Well Lisbon has all the secret colours heaped into each street and definitely high on an artists city bucket list.
Lisbon is the second oldest City in Europe, after Athens, with its own cultural vibe, tiles streets, infamous cobblelock roads, and ‘Fado’ music, heard around the beautiful streets.
Aflama
One of the oldest Districts, and a walk through here, fado music is inescapable. From its beautiful views of the City to its old art charm where you can stroll the walls of Castello de S George. Orange rooftops shine as you walk and watch views ‘Above it all’
Bari Alto..
Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional area, a walk around the arty streets, local living spotting and vintage shopping whilst catching some magnificent shots of the colorful tiled buildings that line the streets. Bari Alto district is architecturally dreamy.
Baxa Chiado
fashionably stylish district, with its selection of monuments, vintage shops, protégées traditional stores, and fantastic restaurants, catch the buzz of the trams as they Zip through the streets...
Lisbon, Famous for its hilly streets, and its fun vibe, to complete a journey, visit Sintra, known for its fairytale castle and colourful walls, an artists dream world.
Lisbon is a Hilly wonder to the colourful eyes. Enjoy the vibes, (Remember the trainers! ) XX SR
With Irish summer In bloom!
It wouldn't be an Irish summer without someone making lists of the essentials to bring for an Irish day out, umbrellas, rain coats, factor 60 creams, ham sandwiches (which usually end up as ham & sand sandwiches), tayto crisps but to name a few things. But a simple ramble through the Irish Countryside and simply enjoy it's stunning natural colours and beauty, is a special treat, an Irish Green wonderland.
and you can find .... rolling hills
beautiful scented cherry blossoms bursting with colour and vibrancy ....
Rolling rapeseed fields of golden sunshine bursting with delight...
explosions of pink marshmallow balls puffing through the air...
blue skies ... beautiful blue skies....
and soft sounds of birds chirping
magical Ireland, We are blessed. XX SR
Archi Icons, NYC.
New York City is alive with energy, fast paced as always and a complete feast to the senses and in this wild city lies some of the most stunning architecture. Besides the most famous of all, the Empire State Building, NYC has a vast array of styles, with a few that stand out and lend themselves to a unique look in the City. Below are some of the eye catching styles that I came across whilst visiting the power house city.
Walking the Chelsea district, you can see where the roaring 20's time of excitement, freedom of expression, abstraction, jazz and the Joie de vivre left this stylistic Art Deco vibe around the streets. American designers paid homage to the French Art Deco style which created an architectural rhythm evoked from the speed, dance and jazz times.
Along 5th avenue, one of my favourite landmarks, the flatiron building is a sure eye dropper. originally the fuller building, it is a triangular 22 story steel framed landmark. Interestingly it was one of the very first buildings to high rise the Manhattan skyline, and the top 21st and 22nd floor were added 3 years after it was first erected. When the building opened, it only housed bathrooms for men, but later it was alternated, one floor for men, one for women. This building used to be the location where the open air tour bus originated. During its construction, New Yorkers were fearful of its steel cage construction, that they feared it would fall over, due to its size.
With fierce competition at the time to achieve the tallest Art Deco building, The Empire State building was designed in under 2 weeks and when construction began in 1930 it was erected in 15 months, standing as the tallest building in the world for 40 years. The Empire State building is a landmark Art Deco building and possibly New Yorks most famous, with its 102 floors, 6,000 windows, windows lined with aluminium, and an impressive use of how the windows are setback, creating the effect of building blocks. At its crown is an illustrative Art Deco observatory, where you can enjoy the grandest views of the wonder of NYC. Notable tenants of the Empire State building include Linkedin, Shutterstock, Expedia, and even JC Deceaux.
To decide on your favourite Art Deco building can be difficult, so to mention a few examples are the 22 acre Rockefeller centre, the Waldorf Astoria hotel, the Chrysler building and the Eldorado building that stand along 90th & 91st Street, the 2 towers taper by way of geometric setbacks to form sharp, abstract spires. Designed by emery Roth, there are metal fine lines that add a futuristic touch to the terraced texture of the building.
Enjoy to architectural views. XX SR