All my creative pursuits.
In Gort, County Galway, not far from where I live, sits Thoor Ballylee — a Norman tower purchased by WB Yeats to refurbish into a family home. The tower was built in the 15th century by the de Burgo (Burke) family but became part of the Coole Estate belonging to Yeats’ dear friend and patron, Lady Augusta Gregory, from whom he purchased the tower in 1916/17. This is my painting in miniature of Thoor Ballylee. And the photo I used for reference (via Wikipedia)
Ireland has given me lovely scenes to paint. I’ve had to rely on photos since we’ve been under a 5km [3 mile] limit on travel since December. But now we are free to move about so I hope to get to see more of my adopted country this summer. Here are some of my latest pieces —the only creative things I’ve indulged in during the last few months.
The last several months have been so difficult. Besides the isolation of lockdown, the six weeks leading up to that I was cooped up recovering from a broken ankle. Just when I was getting back on my feet, the pandemic hit. All together my imprisonment at home has lasted since January 14th. Granted, the restrictions are easing considerably but still… Now this would have been the perfect time to get involved in a lengthy project like the novel I’m working on but my productivity has been atrocious. In all this time I have written one page. On the other hand, the one thing I have done is paint. Painting feels like therapy to me and while my skills are still rudimentary, the process has been very enjoyable. Here is one of my latest pieces. Something cheerful, bright and full of color. A Wildflower Garden.
Meg Sorick, Author/Artist 