National Drawing Day is a nationwide celebration of drawing and creativity initiated by the National Gallery of Ireland in 2004. It takes place every year on the third Saturday in May. With small beginnings, and just a handful of organisations taking part at the start, Drawing Day has gone from strength to strength, and now has dozens of participating museums, galleries, libraries, artists and arts organisations all over the island of Ireland.
— Joanne Drum, Education Officer, National Gallery of Ireland
Gerard Byrne Studio is proud to partner for the second year in a row with the National Gallery of Ireland and promote the National Drawing Day - initiative which aims to encourage creativity and celebrate the tradition of draughtsmanship.
This year we've prepared open to the public studio and gallery guided tours with Sylwia Janik, Tate Modern London guide alumnus. Treat yourself to a gift of time with the beauty and charm of Byrne's art. The current exhibition Spirit of Place will transport you to the picturesque spots of Dublin, London, Paris and more. Amongst fifty exhibited artworks you'll get an opportunity to view up close twelve of Byrne's outstanding large scale charcoal drawings on canvas. Each tour ends with an exclusive Q&A session and live charcoal drawing demonstration with artist Gerard Byrne.
Tour duration — 1hr Q&A 15min charcoal drawing demo
Tour capacity — 15 people
Admission — FREE, however booking is essential as places are limited
Sat & Sun | 18 — 19 May at 12 noon
Sat 18 May at 3pm - just added!
Immerse yourself in the world of fine art on the National Drawing Day weekend with our expert guide leading the way. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to delve into the beauty and creativity of Ireland's foremost Modern Impressionist and book your place now!
You can reserve your place via:
- email: hello@gerardbyrneartist.com
- call or WhatsApp message: 086 8321094
- Eventbrite: button below
Charcoal drawings selected for Spirit of Place exhibition are showcasing the evocative spontaineity, complex perspective, and dynamic interplay of light and shade so characteristic of Byrne's plein air (outdoor) works. He sketches in person, on site, without the aid of photos or prints. Yet, despite this inherent spontaneity, his charcoal drawings are skillfully and faithfully intricate.
Gerard Byrne drawing plein air. Mansion House, Dublin phot. Richy Stokes