It's been a bit of a crazy week folks and its still only half way through but I'm finally back on line to share photos of last Saturdays wax painting class using hot irons.

We had a lovely group, seven in all and heads down we really cracked on, unusually for me only two of saturdays particpants had never experienced the craft with me before...the ratios normally swing the other way, but it made for a vibrant group with lots of good work produced.

The Garage Theatre really is a wonderful venue for a class like this, bright and airy excellent parking and easily accessed. I would like to extend my thanks to the team there and no doubt you will see us again.

In the meantime I'd like to gauge interest in an European Encaustic painting class in Dublin? I have had several enquiries of late and I'm very happy to go on tour if the demand is there, let me know what you think? I'm happily heading up that way again soon as I've been booked for an ICA craft day, these are huge events with numerous Guilds all coming together to enjoy a day of mixed art and craft and boy is it fun!

But for now I'm back to my laptop to focus on my own work and some writing that I need to do... Even for an artist administration is a never-ending task, so bye for now and we'll talk soon. X Niamh.

Fri 21st of september past saw me happily invited to participate in Culture Night at the wonderful venue that is Monaghans Garage Theatre.

​I took over the large space at the top of the stairs known as the rehearsal room and for the night this large white room became my Gallery, Studio and classroom.

I started with a discussion about what it is I do, how I work from the very start by making my own encaustic medium and paints, print on heat to fine kozo papers and cannibalize those prints into my painting process.

I demonstrated the encaustic printmaking process showing monotypes and cold registration prints and adhered a completed monotype print to an encaustic coated panel describing the different options I could proceed with at that stage.. at one point there were seven or more children at the demo table accompanied by their chosen adult, many of them clutching dream catchers made earier in the evening at the Puca puppets workshop held downstairs. I did my best as they started making requests for drawings, robots and bug birds...it was super fun and at times - oh so cute!

Wiith the youngster's satisfied I stated the taster encaustic ironing sessions....17 people gave it a try and all went home having learnt the basics of a new skill and with a new understanding of some of the things I get up too....it was messy, busy and colourful...just what I expected and I loved it.

Thanks to all who joined me and a special thanks to Krista especially, and the team at the Garage for their support. An additional note of thanks to my lovely hubby who acted as my personal 'Roadie' on the night, with so very much stuff sometimes on tour you just gotta bring your own muscle!

Niamh x.


PS: in case you weren't aware I am hosting an encaustic iron on card wax painting class in the 'Garage Theatre' this coming Saturday afternoon (29th September from 1-5pm and 55euro pp-all materials provided)..with only two spaces still available, do get in touch if you'd care to attend. Come and feel the creative flow in a medium you simply cant help but fall in love with! x N.

PSS: A wee treat today to add to this post....a link to photos from events held on Culture Night accross the county. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=255384218449884&id=109726819682292