Swan Art

Get Your Hands Dirty!
I just enjoyed a charcoal drawing lesson at Swan Art in Rathmines. First, the experience:
When I showed up, I had no idea how to proceed, and the instructor for this particular class series (there are several experienced artist/​instructors), P.J., quickly and simply set me up with materials, a workspace, and simple instructions to get me started on the evening’s project/​learning opportunity, and I felt ready to give things a try. I should admit that I only took one class in drawing back in college (20+ years ago), and after occasional fiddling, I gave it up completely about a decade ago.
It was a little intimidating to try to draw again, and it’s not like I was ever competent. P.J., however, made it all seem easy. He quietly glides around the room, helping each student in turn with one more idea or nuance — something new to see and learn. While he encourages people to draw upon the theme/​lesson of the night, he also gives space for everyone to make use of their own inspiration. The quality and diversity of students’ work speaks to his skill.
Diversity is also a word that applies to the ages and level of interest amongst the students. There were young teens (with considerable talent) up through many ages of artistic wisdom. Even though I struggled through the quickest 2 hours I can remember in recent memory, absorbed in my task, I was kindly interrupted by fellow students who were curious to see my work and offer their encouragement.
This is a truly warm, supportive environment. Meeting the owner, Germaine Murphy, I can understand why. She is committed to bringing art to the community — to everyone. After early retirement from the prestigious Alexandra College for girls in Dublin after 25 years, she woke up one morning with the epiphany that her next ambition was to open an art school. She made the unusual choice to open it in a mall (The Swan Center in Rathmines) because it was a little unusual, and it also offers a safe and convenient location for children and adults, with the added benefit of parking. Ms. Murphy is both idealistic and practical, and her course fees are definitely practical and reasonable.
Classes offer learning in sculpture, oil painting, drawing, printmaking and watercolor, and there are several classes for children either after school or on Saturdays.
I have to admit, that, after trying out a class in charcoal (thanks to Unilocal!), I plan to go back to try oil painting and portrait sculpture — two things that I’ve always wanted to try, but never did. I guess I always felt a bit shy because I’m not an artist. I know that if I explore these things at Swan Art, I’ll learn a quite a lot, and I’ll do so in a place that makes me feel comfortable and welcome.

I had the pleasure of visiting Swan Art for one of their evening Adult Art classes and highly recommend for people of all artistic abilities!
The studio is located within the Swan Shopping Centre, which during the evening
is expectedly quiet and deserted, but don’t let that scare you away. Once the studio opened up, I was put at ease by the warm and friendly exchanges with Germaine, the woman behind Swan Art, and the cheerful nature of fellow classmates.
Apparently the classes run in a series of 6, where different mediums within the categories of drawing, painting, and sculpture are explored. Although I happened to join during the 6^th class of the series, (presumably the class in which skills and techniques from the previous 5 were to come together) I never once felt out of place or left behind.
The instructor was very helpful in providing guidance with regard to tips and techniques and I genuinely felt that my drawing ability improved as the class progressed!

I attended Swan Art’s Adult evening class and I would definitely recommend it! You don’t have to have an artistic background to attend it. It was my first time sketching and I absolutely loved it.
The other students were friendly and the lady that runs the place immediately put me at ease and provided more details of the type of work they do there. There was a nice atmosphere and the people that attended the class were very cheerful.
Although I had no experience I never felt out of place or was left behind. The instructor always made sure to provide the same level of attention to all students, and provided guidance and pointers to what we should do, how to create our own technique and correct our mistakes.
When I look back at my sketches I can notice the improvements I made as the class progressed. You should definitely give it a try.

Swan Art is a brilliant find for anyone who wants to get painting again!
You can drop in for a class and pay on the spot, or sign up for 6 week course. Really nice and casual, with a great ambiance among all students (who vary from 20yr olds to pensioners). Adult classes include life drawing, oil and water painting, and sculpture. I think they do Leaving cert prep as well as classes for children too.
All-​in-​all a really nice thing to do if you can spare two hours during the week, very therapeutic I might add!