Artist’s visit to Dun Lughaidh students
GERRY CLARKE INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS IN SCHOOL VISIT
THE students of third and sixth year art classes had a real treat last week in St Louis Secondary school.
Local artist Gerry Clarke visited the school and gave a fascinating demonstration on several techniques using watercolours.
He brought in a huge selection of his work to show the budding art students using a wide range of media from pencil to charcoal.
Students also got the opportunity to study this work and ask questions on the methods used.
‘ This is of great benefit to the 6th years for their Still life/ Imaginative composition exam and for any 3rd years that choose painting for their 2D studies,’ said art teacher Susan Irwin, who welcomed Gerry to the school.
‘Hopefully it will be the first of many visits by Gerry and we thank him for inspiring our girls in their artistic work.’
She added that he also mentioned to us that his ancestors, the Eastwood’ owned the castle which is situated on the school grounds at one time, so there was a great connection with the school.
‘We had a thoroughly enjoyable & informative morning and really appreciated Gerry giving up his time for our students,’ said Ms Irwin.
Leaving Cert Art student Jessica Murphy said she was ‘delighted to have had the opportunity to watch Gerry work so closely and to be able to ask questions on technique.’
‘It was so fascinating watching Gerry. He was able to create a load of separate elements on the page, add a few brush- strokes, and all of a sudden the picture was complete! It was almost like magic.
From a student’s point of view, it made me appreciate and understand watercolours because for me personally, it was one thing I’ve always struggled with in art; but watching Gerry has made me consider doing watercolour for my Leaving Cert.’
She added: ‘I definitely think now that every art student should get the opportunity to watch an actual artist at work- it gives you a whole new insight into the job, and how, without a doubt, some people are born to do it!’