2 July 2023
I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, to the vivid colors and ever-changing landscapes that nature offers. So when I had the opportunity to participate at Donerail Plein Air event, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know that this experience would lead me to create a painting with a story that would touch the hearts of two people deeply in love.
The event had gathered artists from all over, each with their unique perspective and artistic vision. The atmosphere was electric with creativity and excitement, despite the ominous clouds that occasionally darkened the sky. Eventually I set up my easel by the riverbank.
I had chosen to paint a picturesque bridge that arched gracefully over the tranquil waters disappearing into the green of the scene. The bridge had a timeless charm. It was as though the bridge held the secrets of countless stories and whispered them to anyone willing to listen.
As I delicately mixed my paints (on my finger as I usually do) and began to capture the essence of the bridge on my canvas, a few drops of rain splattered onto my work. Panic threatened to set in, but I reminded myself that plein air painting was all about capturing the moment, raindrops included. So, I continued to paint, embracing the challenge that nature had thrown at me.
The rain didn’t deter the other artists either. Our passion for art overshadowing the inconvenience of the weather. It was a testament to the dedication of artists who refuse to be thwarted by the elements.
Later that month, as I displayed my painting in a shop window in Limerick, a gentleman phoned me.
The very same day we met, his eyes filled with nostalgia and warmth, he told me a heartwarming story. He and his wife had met for the first time on that very bridge, many years ago. It was a place where their love had blossomed and so it holds a special place in their hearts.
He explained that he was looking for a special gift to commemorate a milestone anniversary. He purchased my painting with a smile that spoke of cherished memories and love that had stood the test of time.
It was a profoundly moving moment for me as an artist. I realized that my painting had become a vessel for their memories, a symbol of their enduring love story. It was an honor to know that my art would hang in their home, a constant reminder of the bridge where their journey had begun.