Second painting of Ireland

At first glance, you might think this painting by my husband has no focal point, but in fact, the bottom 1/3 shows the Ancient Burren of Ireland, some of the most unusual topography you'll ever see and worthy of being a focal point.

"After two days' march we entered into the Barony of Burren, of which it is said, that it is a country where there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him; which last is so scarce, that the inhabitants steal it from one another, and yet their cattle are very fat; for the grass growing in tufts of earth, of two or three foot square, that lie between the rocks, which are of limestone, is very sweet and nourishing". Edmund Ludlow, 1651

By the way, my husband will be teaching an architectural drawing class in February 2008 in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, on a mission trip. Last year he taught perspective, but supplies were whatever he could bring in his suitcase. This year, he'd like the students to have something on which to draw and is raising funds for 12 drawing boards, t-squares, scales, angles, etc. He has enlisted the help of some local art groups, artists, an art store, and a few friends interested in the mission. If you'd like to help, you can send a contribution to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Haiti Mission 08, 2300 Lytham Road, Columbus, OH 43220, and stick a note in the envelope that it is for the drawing class. Here's a sample of what he's got, which will be shipped to Cleveland to then be shipped to Haiti in a container with construction materials used by the mission. All the equipment will be left at the school, Institution Univers. It costs about $50 to outfit one student--but any amount will help.

Boards for Haiti

Teaching Feb. 2007. He was very impressed by the dedication and aptitude of his students

Our Ireland Trip from N - P

Normans in Ireland:The Vikings (Northmen) invaded Ireland and other European coastal countries, including what is now France and that area became known as Normandy. In the 11th century the Normans conquered England. In the 12th century, the Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland (sort of invited), but they pretty much settled down and married into the Irish. Many of the castles date from this period. As near as I can tell, my surname and my husband's came from Normandy as do many Irish and Scots names.

Ormand or Kilkenny Castle: The town of Kilkenny is located on the River Nour, and the Castle of the Earls and Dukes of Ormond (Butler family) overlooks it all. It was given to the town in 1967 and some of it is used as a conference center, with a design center, workshops and gift shop in the outbuildings. The castle had a wonderful art collection, but we couldn’t take photos inside. We visited the restored stair hall with a mahogany staircase, the drawing room and library, restored to the 1830s look, and the picture gallery, which had recently been painted red .

The design center, workshops and gift shops were located across the street from the castle on the grounds of the former stables.

The Conference Center, which was also part of the Butler estate.

Poulnabrone Dolmon: We visited The Burren coast on September 10 stopping first at the information center in Kilfenora and saw an ancient tomb. We began the day with a history lecture covering the Celts, Romans, Vikings and English, with a focus on County Clare.

Lou, Barbara, Jim, Jim, Barbara, Adele, Bill, Maggie, Phil, Robert, Roxanna, Bob

The educational center and museum at Kilfenora.



An ancient tomb on the Burren.

The most barren landscape you'll ever see.