Oil on panel – 51 x 61 cm
This picture was largely painted from life when I was staying in Kilcommon high up in the Silver Mountains in Co. Tipperary. A local publican called TJ stands behind the bar with his arms folded. On the counter is a freshly pulled pint of Guinness. TJ and I became friendly during my stay and amazingly he agreed to pose for a portrait.
I like this picture especially the painting of TJ’s clothes and the still life details. As far as the actual portrait is concerned I’m not so sure as TJ looks a bit withdrawn and disconsolate. That’s the trouble with portraits I never know quite what the end result will be.
However I had a lovely time in Ireland and I hope to go there again. During my stay I visited all kind of interesting places such as the extensive ruins of Athassel Abbey near to a small town called Golden. I used sketches of the ruins in various paintings when I returned to London especially ‘After the Floods’ which was featured in a recent blog.
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