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Louise McKeon Art School, Kinsale

Take a painting holiday in Kinsale, one of Ireland's top tourist destinations, and stimulate and revitalise your senses. Work with others and learn new techniques, feed your inspiration, make new friends and if that isn't enough, after the painting day is done, enjoy the delights of some of the finest seafood restaurants in Ireland.

Louise McKeon, a very talented, local artist, whose work is much in demand, runs her own art school. Louise is an enthusiastic and patient, art teacher who has been teaching her skills, to all levels of students, for more than 20 years. Louise creates a warm and friendly atmosphere ideally suited to learning. A testament to this is that her longest running adult art class has been in existence, on a weekly basis, for the last 12 years.

Louise also instructs children in basic drawing and painting techniques. Her art courses are intended for children who are eager to experiment with different media and haven't yet developed the confidence to do it on their own.

The adult art courses are tailored to cover all levels of ability; basic, intermediate and advanced and are designed to provide students with the best possible means to develop their painting and drawing skills and reach their full potential. A maximum of 10 people per group guarantees you get the attention you need. Tuition is personalized to meet your specific requirements. You are free to choose the media you wish to use or to learn. The studio gallery is equipped with easels and drawing boards and tables/chairs for painting outdoors if the weather permits.

Courses

One or two day classes operate throughout the summer on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. These classes are intended for those who are visiting Kinsale and want to break their visit and do something different with their time. Classes cater for all levels, beginner, intermediate or advanced. So don't worry if you're just a beginner and have never held a paintbrush before. Perhaps for years, you have harboured a desire to paint but never had the confidence or opportunity to start! Well now is your chance. And by the end of the day you will be pleasantly surprised at what you have achieved. You will be supplied with all the art materials you need. The programme for the class will be determined on the day and tailored to the level of the individual.

Weekly courses also operate throughout the summer for those who primarily want a painting holiday interspersed with other activities. Weekly courses run from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The course programme for the week will be arranged with the group on Monday morning depending on everyone's capabilities, needs and wishes. Those attending weekly courses will be instructed on what materials to bring. The course will be based in the studio but day-trips will be arranged in and around the town and harbour of Kinsale or further a field depending on the wishes of the group.

Contact Louise for further details regarding her forthcoming art classes.

The location of the school, on the banks of the Bandon river estuary, just a mile outside the historic town of Kinsale, is unique. It provides a vast array of spectacular scenery. It is a haven for landscape, townscape and seascape artists or for those who enjoy wildlife painting. Sharpen up your boat painting skills at the harbour or practise your quick sketching skills of the birdlife down on the estuary. On Tuesday there is a country market in Kinsale town for those who like painting market scenes.

Kinsale is only a 20 minute drive south of Cork airport or 30 minutes from the train station in Cork. A pickup service is available if you require.

Historic Kinsale

There are many buildings of historic interest in Kinsale. James Fort, built in 1602 to defend the town after the Irish & Spanish were defeated at the Battle of Kinsale. Charles Fort constructed in 1677 is one of the finest surviving examples of a star shaped fort. Desmond Castle (1420) used as a customhouse by the Earl of Desmond is home to the “Wine Geese”, Ireland's only International Wine Museum. The Market House Museum (Old Courthouse) was built circa 1600 and houses a local museum. The 12th century St Multose Abbey was built by the Normans who settled in Kinsale in 1179 and the Municipal hall and Bowling Green was constructed in 1736 as a recreational centre for Kinsale's gentry.

Non-Painters

For the non-painters, Kinsale offers a wide range of outdoor activities including; bird watching, Clay Pigeon shooting, Archery & Falconry (www.claybird.ie), historic walking tours, bicycle rental, Harbour cruises, Ghost Tours (www.taptavern.com) , sightseeing (www.roadrunners-tours.com) , Sail Ireland Charters provides daily sails on luxury yachts (www.sailireland.com) , fishing and deep sea angling (www.kinsale-angling.com and www.solcon.nl/kinsale) and golfing. One of the finest golf courses in the world, Old Head, is located 10 miles from Kinsale (www.oldheadgolflinks.com) and Farrangalway the home of Kinsale Golf Club offers 27 holes and is only a few miles away (www.kinsalegolf.com). If you want to make your painting holiday a family event bring the kids and book them into an activity, adventure holiday at Oysterhaven (www.oysterhaven.com) or the Outdoor Education Centre (www.kinsaleoutdoors.com). For more information about Kinsale check out the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism website at www.kinsale.ieand see there calander of events www.kinsale.ie/kinscal.htm

Accommodation

There is an abundant supply of top class Hotel, B&B or self-catering accommodation all within a short distance: www.kinsale.ie. For those requiring assistance in arranging accommodation we will be happy to oblige with suggestions. Otherwise contact Marie at www.sportingtoursireland.ie who can take care of all your arrangements.