Mr Squidge. Always gets in on it. The painting remained on the stretcher for scanning and photos

#NIOpen #golf #art #prints @markgolfart @GalgormCastle @Challenge_Tour

'It's been a while and the only excuse is.. I was painting the final canvas for Northern Ireland. That and trips to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. The Crew there are brilliant! Thank you to these hard working , under paid people. Thank god for their expertise and understanding. They treat each patient with the utmost respect. Everyone, even me??!!...
I know... It is about time this Government paid these people the wages they deserve. Everyone I know would be happy to pay a couple of quid extra on taxes if it helped the NHS. Sermon over. For now.

So, I have neglected the blog. In fact I've neglected the blog since I started it!! Way back in 13! I have decided to blog more regularly. Wow, how time flies when you're not looking. I am still painting golf subjects but have also started to put together a collection of landscapes.  So I have also decided that,  I will be spending more time on my 'Plein Air' work . I will continue as Artist in Residence with Galgorm G C and the Northern Ireland Open. As long as they will put up with me! 

The aim is to create an online shop with Limited Edition prints of the new (Not golf) landscapes. The collection of originals will be kept, by me, for exhibition at venues yet to be arranged. Offers of venues home and abroad are welcome. I will still paint private portrait commissions in the studio when requested. Gotta pay the bills!! 

Back to the 'Northern Ireland Open 2017' painting featuring, Challenge Tour & France's ​'​Robin Sciot-Siegrist'. It's done! Galgorm Castle Golf Club will be exhibiting the painting in their clubhouse soon. The Challenge Tour event is a breath of fresh air , attracting great crowds that grow year on year. This year we were treated to great weather and a new exciting format designed by sponsors Modest! Golf. Nial Horan, director of the company, presented the new trophy to the new Champion.  I'll be sending over the completed canvas next week. The Date for hanging is to be decided, keep an eye on the GGC web site for updates http://www.galgormcastle.com/. There is a limited edition of 500 prints for sale. The sooner you order, the lower the print number. Email me for further details if you are interested in buying one. They are selling at 245 GBP including frame and delivery in the UK. Customers outside of the UK please email me and we can work out costs.  Print size is A3+ with a 4cm mount and I have decided on a thin classic black frame & off white double mount.

We are also printing a Limited Edition of 500 from last year's NI Open, featuring Ryan Fox (on the left/below). My original painting hangs in the Galgorm G C club house along with a collection of last year's swing portraits and a few golfing legends. You will also find original watercolours and sketches for sale in the pro shop.

The two new Limited Edition prints, hung together, make a nice start for any golf collector. Of course, each year there will be a new painting featuring the current champion. Great unusual gifts for your golfing friend. 500 framed prints will go quickly so get ordering.  Ltd Edition prints are individually signed and numbered by me and you will also receive a signed/laminated Authentication Certificate for your records.
​see below...