SPRING FLOWER WATERCOLOUR PAINTING AT CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL

The historic, four-star Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry (Ireland) will host a spring flower inspired botanical watercolour painting workshop from the 6th to the 9th of March 2022. The three -night package is called ‘Watercolour Painting Escape with Mary’ and costs from €470 per person sharing. The residential course is headed up by renowned watercolour artist, Mary Dillon and includes three nights bed and breakfast with a full Irish Breakfast each morning and one evening meal. Guests will check in on Sunday, 6th of March and that evening will enjoy welcome drinks and an introduction to the course by Mary Dillon. This wonderful residential painting workshop also includes a farewell table d’hôte dinner in the stunning 2 AA Herbert Restaurant on Tuesday evening. Over the course of the workshop the participants will learn how to bring the majesty and colour of spring flowers to life on paper, all the while being tutored in the art of watercolour. No painting experience is necessary and all materials will be provided including colours, brushes, palettes, watercolour paper and drawing boards. This fabulous experience will include two and half days of painting in the elegant Drawing Room in Cahernane House Hotel which overlooks the hotel’s mature gardens and Killarney National Park.

Mary Dillon is passionate about painting and plants and she has gained an international reputation as an artist and tutor. She is a member of the Watercolour Society of Ireland and was the founding Chairperson of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists. Her painting, ‘Black Parrot Tulip’ was chosen as the signature image for the exhibition, ‘Drawn From Nature’ which was held recently in the National Gallery of Ireland.

Mary will guide you through simple drawing and painting techniques to help you to capture the essence of your chosen subject. If you already have some experience, she will work with you to enhance your skills and increase your competence. Each day you will learn, practice, and apply the skills required to create your own botanical watercolour painting.

Speaking in advance of the Botanical Painting Workshop at Cahernane, Mary said, “during our workshop we will slow down, taking time to really look at the bright, fresh and vibrant colours of the changing seasons. We will learn simple techniques to accurately draw plants by observing their structures and shapes. Learning to look for light and shade will bring life to your drawing and painting. Having learned how to find just the right colour mix for your painting we will use first wet and then dry watercolour painting techniques. painting fine detail and layering colours. While learning to capture the beauty of spring bulbs, this will also be a wonderful opportunity to experience painting and nature in a mindful and relaxed atmosphere.”

Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is the perfect place to get away from it all this spring. Removed from the main throughfare of Killarney and set on its own private grounds on the edge of Killarney National Park, the house presents plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy a relaxing and creative getaway. The Muckross Road, where Cahernane House is located is often referred to as ‘The gateway to the Ring of Kerry’, renowned for its spectacular scenery and ancient history.

Built in 1877, Cahernane House Hotel has been extensively renovated by the owners, PREM Group who have spent over €7.8 million on an ambitious renewal programme. There are 12 grand bedrooms in the original Manor House, 28 in the Garden Wing and the Coach House, once home to the horses and carriages of the Herbert family who built the house is now the setting for 8 new luxurious bedrooms. The Coach House Bedrooms have all been decorated in vibrant colours and the soft furnishings and wallpapers have been inspired by the flora of Kerry and its famous wildflowers.

Cahernane House Hotel is well known for its fantastic food which is created by the Executive Chef Eric Kavanagh and his team. The Cellar Bar serves casual food daily while fine dining is offered in the Herbert Restaurant.