FAQ
Can I get art supplies in Dingle?
Dingle is a very small town, and appropriately, it has a very very small art supply store. It does have a lot of the basics, and items can be ordered as well. Also there is a bigger art supply store in Tralee, which is about an hour drive from Dingle. However, I highly advise to bring ALL your art materials with you. We provide paint thinner and half and full box wooden french easels, but if you have a nice pochade box easel, or something you like to use, please bring it with you.
What materials will we be using?
This course is open to a variety of media. My suggestion is to use oil paints on unstretched linen canvas, and closer to the date I will be sending you a list of recommended materials. However, it is up to you to decide how you want to go about it. Most of the same concepts we will discuss will apply to acrylic paint just as well, and if you like watercolors, pastels, crayon, ink, even clay, do bring them along in addition to the paints, so that you can have the freedom to play around.
Can I fly with oil paints?
Yes, you can safely fly with oil paints and gel mediums, in your CHECKED IN luggage. It is best to have unopened, sealed packaging for the mediums. Do NOT fly with paint thinner. Paints are safe to travel with, and there is no need in letting the personnel at check in know about it. They are usually not familiar with paints, so can give you trouble unnecessarily. You can also go on the websites of the brands who's oils you are carrying, and print out a page that states that paints are safe for air travel. For example see the pdf linked in this page for Williamsurg oil paints:
https://www.williamsburgoils.com/travel
You can place the printed pages over your paints in the checked in luggage, and carry a copy with you just in case. I have done it only once, and have not had any problems flying with paints.
What scale will we be working on?
You are free to decide on how you want to go about scale in this workshop. There will be at least one class where I will strongly encourage you to work LARGE (you will decide on the scale), by either puzzling together a several smaller canvasses or using a larger roll, which makes transporting it much easier. Most of the time I will suggest that you work on a smaller scale, approximately 4"x6" - 12"x14". If however you want to work on larger pieces, make sure you consider how you will transport it back home. We offer a storing (until dry), packaging and shipping option! Please read below.
What if my painting isn't dry by the time I have to leave?
It is very likely that your painting may not be dry by the time you need to leave. We are happy to provide you with an option of having the painting/s wait in Dingle for a week or two until it is dry. Billy will then package and mail it to you! You will have to pay for the shipping cost, plus a storing and packaging fee.
If you want to be able to take your painting yourself while they wet you have a couple options:
- If your painting is small you can attach it to the inside of a flat box (such as a pizza box), which offers great protection to it, and then you can take it in your carry on.
- If you have a pochade box easel, they often come with a few safe storage slots for small wet paintings
- You can add good amounts of gel medium to your paint, which will make it dry much faster
- If you want, you can also work in other more fast drying mediums, such as acrylic
When should I schedule my flights for? What airports?
Most international flight arrive in Shannon airport in the morning. We will be aiming to leave the airport at around noon on the first day. On the last day, we will leave Dingle at 6am, the drive between Dingle and Shannon is about 3 hours, so you can make a flight that is as early as 11am. If there are specific flights you are looking at, and aren't sure if they fit the schedule, please get in touch with me, and we might be able to shift some things around.
Shannon Airport is the closest international airport.
Kerry Airport is a tiny airport that is just an hour drive from Dingle, and has flights to Dublin and a several locations around Europe. If you are flying to/from Europe and want to use this airport instead, we will arrange for it.
Plans before/after the program?
I HIGHLY recommend that you take this trip as an opportunity to travel before or after the workshop.
Various destinations in Europe are extremely quick and cheap to get to from Shannon/Kerry airport. With airlines like Ryanair and Air Lingus you can fly to London for as little as $30-$40 (they usually charge a fee for checked in luggage). What I sometimes do is leave my suitcase for storage in Shannon, travel around, and then return to Shannon. This option can be easier and cheaper, since often a round trip flight is better priced than a one way, and it allows you to travel lighter. This may even allow your paint to dry.
You can also rent a car and drive around Ireland, visiting other cities and areas. Just keep in mind that you would have to drive on the left side of the road, so make sure you are comfortable with that.
Another option is to stay in Dingle longer on your own time. We can help you find accommodation, and if you let us know early enough you might be able to stay in the same house. You would already know the area and some people at this point, and would be able to work on your own and have more time to put to action what you have learned.
What is the weather like in Dingle?
Weather is Dingle can be unpredictable. It is part of its beauty, but is something that you need to plan for. The time that this workshop is scheduled for is usually the nicest time of the year. However, it may still rain a lot, and be quite chilly, or it can be sunny and hot. There is no way to know what it will be like, but rest assured, each weather brings its own kind of beauty.
You have to be prepared. Bring a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, some warm sweaters, and scarves, but also bring sunscreen (the sun can be brutal in Ireland), a shady hat and feel free to get a swimsuit. You will get paint on your clothes, (especially jackets) so keep that in mind when packing.
Should I bring a musical instrument?
Yes! There are quite a few amazing musicians in Dingle, including Billy, who I am partnering with for the program, and there are frequent planned or open and improvised music sessions at the various pubs, and just random moments when someone starts singing. If you play an instrument that you can bring along, please do so, or sing!