Art in the Open 2025

A Week of Painting, Connection and a Lovely Surprise

Every summer, Art in the Open is a little anchor in my year. A week where everything else quiets down and it’s just painting, catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and soaking up all the colour and buzz that comes with plein air life. And this year? I was in it every day. From the first paint-out to the final exhibition, I didn’t miss a moment – so I thought I’d share a few thoughts while it’s all still settling.

We kicked off with a surprise I didn’t see coming.

I was invited to be one of the judges for this year’s Charity Quick Draw! If you’ve never seen it: artists have just two hours to start and finish a piece, then it’s all whisked onto easels in the middle of town for judging and a bit of fun. The energy is brilliant. It’s fast, a little chaotic, and full of heart. And I have to say, it’s much easier to appreciate everyone’s creativity when you’re not the one chasing the clock!

That said… I still couldn’t resist painting a little town scene.
I had sworn I wouldn’t paint Wexford town this year. I told anyone who’d listen I was off to find trees, or reflections, or something more peaceful – but sure enough, I turned a corner and saw a view I just had to paint. So that plan went out the window (as they often do).

From there, the week just unfolded beautifully.

We painted in Kilmore Quay (always a favourite of mine), then Johnstown Castle, Duncannon, Enniscorthy, and the sweet village of Clonegal. Trawlers, castle reflections, boats dancing on the tide, wild gardens overflowing with colour – all the things I’m drawn to again and again. I even got to paint in Kirwan’s garden in Rosslare on the final day – a first for me – and completely fell for the waterlilies and soft summer light.

But more than the locations, it was the feeling of the week that stayed with me.

Long sunny days. Easy chats over coffee and sandwiches. That quiet thrill of walking past someone’s easel and seeing magic unfold. Everyone deep in the flow of it. You could feel people taking risks, trying new things, pushing themselves just a bit – without pressure.

The exhibition at Greenacres was the perfect end note.

I submitted two pieces, and was thrilled to see one of them – my painting of hollyhocks – go off to a new home. A big thank you to the organisers who put so much heart into making the whole week feel easy and light, even though I know just how much work it takes behind the scenes.

Already counting the days until AITO 2026.

Kate