The Boglands

A few weeks ago, I posted a painting titled "Greener Pastures" that featured this flock of sheep moving to higher ground. I felt it needed work, so I went back to the easel and repainted the picture. This time, I had such a good time playing with color! The peat bogs of Ireland are special places. Located in isolated and remote sections of the country, they often contain sacred spaces and offer a glimpse in the ancient times of the Celtic people. And the peat bogs are endangered. Each time a peat bog is drained, the peat dies. In an effort to preserve these essential grounds, new protections are in place and the Irish government has designated 15,000 acres of peat bog in the northern section of Donegal Co. as a national preserve. It’s a land teeming with wildlife including wild goats and of course, free-grazing sheep!

This week’s painting, Bogland Sheep, 9” x 12” on 300 lb. watercolor paper, captures the glowing colors of a peat bog in the evening light.