How Bunbury Art Studio got its Name by Trudi Doyle

The house in which I live was until 1917 owned by a Thomas Bunbury who is interred in the Crecrin Medieval graveyard, (which once also had a small church., according to the Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow published in 1993) His headstone can be seen if you take a short walk up the lane beside my house and look northwards - the ancient graveyard surrounded by granite walls is in the middle of a green pasture

When I moved to Crecrin in 1993 and heard about Thomas Bunbury, - Oscar Wilde's play " The Importance of Being Earnest" immediately came to mind. In this play-when the main character Jack became jaded with city life he repaired to the country ostensibly to visit an invalid friend called Bunbury. Jack's friends refer to these trips as "Bunburying" I decided to name my new studio after Bunbury as it is situated in the country and was intended to become a place where world weary city folk could relax and enjoy learning a new skill in pleasant surroundings.

After the launch, a piece relating the above story was published in the local newspaper -"The Nationalist & Leinster Times" I received a very interesting phone call from William McClintock Bunbury , the son of a local landowner Lord Rathdonnell of Lisnavagh Estate . He told me that Oscar Wilde had been in fact acquainted with his family and may have visited the family seat - Lisnaveagh house.which is not 3 miles from Crecrin and near Rathvilly, Co Carlow. During the 1870's Wilde was a student in Oxford and while there according to Jonathan Fryer, writer and Wilde expert - in his biography of Wilde - " entertained generously" and had a wide circle of friends. Jack McClintock Bunbury of Lisnavagh graduated from Oxford and his brother Thomas also attended Oxford University in the 1870's.

To hear that the creative genius Oscar Wilde had visited in the vicinity and that the former owner of my house was probably related to Bunbury of Lisnavagh who inspired the fictional character in his well known play gave me a frisson of excitement at the co-incidence. I felt that I had chosen the name well and also feel sure that many people will enjoy "Bunburying" in Crecrin !

COMMENTS FROM 2005, 2006 & 2007

"Many many thanks for a wonderful week;-company, crack, food, wine, lessons ,Opoul and our trips- were all fantastic"
J .K.Co, Kilkenny.

I was so inspired to paint I could not stop when I got home.I would go again in a heartbeat. I had an amazing and unforgettable time.Thanks Trudi.

J.D. Los Angeles.

THE BEST HOLIDAY BREAK WE'VE EVER HAD !
G&S.CARLOW.

K& I had a great week with you in Opoul and came away with lots of new techniques. The evenings were very entertaining too!A&K BIRMINGHAM.

LOVELY TRIP - I FEEL QUITE REFRESHED.
M.P. CO.CARLOW.

Thanks Trudi for all the work that went into organizing the holiday. I felt really refreshed and rested.
S.A. CO.CARLOW.

I learned a lot and enjoyed myself thoroughly in Opoul.A great find! I'll be back! . T.A. DUBLIN

So good to find a tutor who looked after us beginners , thanks for a memorable week. .S& U.. DUBLIN

- Paint Away in France Dates for 2009 not available ! * Join with others of similar interests, in L'Ancienne Poste, a fully restored traditional house with a large well equipped atelier (artists studio.) Enjoy tuition in a fun, relaxed, house party atmosphere in the sunny south of France, in the wine village of Opoul near Perpignan. The trip organised by Trudi Doyle includes individual tuition ( in drawing ,watercolour, pastels or acrylics ) full board, comfortable accomodation, in house studio with easels etc provided ,all painting abilities are welcome including absolute beginners .   Home * contact* Workshops Scroll down for details of Paint Away in France
ACCOMODATION The house has five elegant double bedrooms, two ensuite.
	All are decorated to reflect the artistic atmosphere, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, the Fauves and even the bathroom has a Cistine Chapel ceiling!
There is a large kitchen, a salon, and a large dining room, with sun terrace above. Although the days will be sunny ( bring sun cream and sun hats ) the evenings turn chilly in spring. The house has ample heating. FULL BOARD All meals are included, teas, coffees and picnics as required. Meals (delicious French Cuisine ) are prepared by Christiane. Here is a menu sample; Frisee salad, succulent duck breast, red cabbage and apple, potatoes, cheese board, apricot and egg custard tart, - and wine.

THE STUDIO

The artists studio is situated on the top floor and runs the full length of the building.

TUITION

Art sessions will be more structured in the mornings, however those who wish may work "en plein air."

Trudi Doyle will provide lessons in DRAWING and WATERCOLOUR. Tuition in PASTELS and ACRYLICS will also be provided if required.

Afternoons are free form and your choice to paint, explore or just relax. We meet again before dinner to discuss progress and make a plan for the following day.. The house, picturesque village and countryside provide superb subject matter and inspiration.

One day will be free to enjoy your own time, sightseeing/ painting trips will also be arranged, last year we visited Figueres ;Salvador Dali s' home which is now a museum across the border in Spain and on another day; beautiful Collioure by the sea where Matisse painted, taking in a few hours in Ceret on the way back..

THE COST of one week FULL BOARDand PROFESSIONAL TUITION

850 EURO per person SHARING - (Double or twin room with shared bathroom facilities)

1100 EURO per person NON-SHARING (ie. single supplement 250 Euro)

70 EURO reduction for non painting partners or artists not availing of tuition.

3 EN SUITE ROOMS available - 50 Euro extra ( allocated on first come basis)

THE ABOVE PRICE INCLUDES

1. FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION from 5pm on day of arrival to the afternoon of day of departure.

2. Refreshments ( tea, coffee, wine etc.available also in the studio and in own rooms .)

3. Linens/towels

4. Tuition for all levels including demonstrations.

5. Use of studio easels, boards, stools, water containers etc. in spacious in-house studio open at all times.

For guests, a mini bus from GIRONA Airport Barcelona to OPOUL is available at minimal cost meeting RYANAIR flight 7036 from DUBLIN on 7th April and return flight 7037 to Dublin on Sat. 14th .

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

1. Cost of travel to reach the location

2. Dinner on one evening ( Cooks night off)

3. Personal painting equipment

.TO BOOK and secure your place ;1. Print off the BOOKING FORM,

2.Complete & send with DEPOSIT of 250 euro or full fee after 9th March ( ring for late offers )

Home * booking form * Trudi's Opoul paintings

You can also view beautiful Opoul paintings by Joan Doyle ( click on Portfolio )