Chat Over Ballybunion

This painting was done in the studio in Ireland after a day's painting plein air in Ballybunion. Lots of people were out that day, for it was one of the first warm sunny days we'd had in May. While Jean and I still had to wear our coats, we saw many people enjoying the beach below and even some with their shirts off. In the painting I wanted to capture the scene I saw as a small family sat on the bench overlooking the beach far below. The couple chats between themselves as the little girl amuses herself watching the people around her. I loved the afternoon sunlight glowing in her hair and little blankie.