On the west coast of Ireland I am spoiled for choice of landscape to paint. The first thing that comes to mind when choosing a scene is: why on earth would I even attempt to convey this? Here it is in front of me -it's done already and it's perfect! Soon, however, one gets lost in the moment and I simply do my best. Painting outside is an aspiration but often not practical as the weather changes so rapidly. I often sketch in pencils or pastels and take photographs for reference then return to the studio to work up the finished piece.