Wild Atlantic Way art inspired by the beautiful harbour at Kinvara on Ireland’s spectacular west coast. This original felt landscape artwork by Yorkshire felt artist Janine Jacques captures three traditional Galway Hooker boats sailing beneath a glowing sunset, celebrating Ireland’s rich maritime heritage through layers of merino wool and mixed fibres.
MEDIUM Original felt landscape artwork created using merino wool and mixed fibres
STYLE Irish seascape art
LOCATION Kinvara Harbour, County Galway, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
SUBJECT Three Galway Hooker boats sailing at sunset with their distinctive red sails
During a visit to the annual Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara, County Galway, we were lucky enough to watch the famous Galway Hooker boats sailing through the harbour as the sun began to set.
From our apartment overlooking the harbour, we had the perfect view of the festival and the colourful races taking place below. As the evening light reflected across the water, three Galway Hookers sailed gracefully past with their striking crimson sails glowing against the warm sunset sky. It was one of those unforgettable moments that simply had to become an artwork.
The Galway Hookers have become one of Ireland’s best-loved maritime symbols, and I wanted to celebrate both their beauty and the traditions that have kept them sailing for generations.
Whenever I create a landscape, I enjoy learning about the history behind the places that inspire me. The story of the Galway Hookers made this artwork even more meaningful to create.
With dark and stormy skies above,
The boats with the red sails, so loved.
Watched by those upon the shore,
Racing as someone keeps the score.
Tree bark and butter, mixed with care,
Create the bright red sails so rare.
Weatherproofing at its best,
A treasured heritage to be blessed.
These Irish boats, through all the years,
Come together to be cheered.
Once a year, a celebration and a race,
These Galway Hookers show such grace.
Galway Hookers are traditional fishing boats from Galway Bay, instantly recognised by their striking crimson sails. Traditionally, the sails were made from calico and weatherproofed using a protective mixture of tree bark or, in some cases, tar and butter. This process, known as “barking the sails,” gave them their distinctive red colour.
Today these remarkable boats continue to race during annual festivals and regattas, including the famous Cruinniú na mBád Festival in Kinvara, where Ireland’s maritime heritage is proudly celebrated each year.
TITLE: ‘Three Red Sails’
MEDIUM: Original felt landscape artwork – 30cm (w) x 30.5cm (h).
MATERIALS: Merino wool and mixed fibres
PRESENTATION: Mounted in a premium extra-thick acid-free mount measuring approximately 45.5 cm × 47.5 cm, ready for framing.
* Colours and tones may vary slightly from those shown on screen.
If you are based in the UK, I can arrange for your artwork to be professionally framed before posting. Simply select the framing option when ordering – below. Framing times will vary depending on my framer’s current workload.
Drawing on my degree in Fine Art, I use merino wool in lots of different colours (as you would tubes of paint) and lay out the loose fibres of different coloured wool onto my base (as you would paint on canvas).
Once finished the next stage is to make these loose fibres of wool stick together using the ‘wet felting’ technique to make the wool painting into a piece of felt. You do this by adding hot soapy water and friction. The hot water opens up the wools scales and the friction (rubbing/rolling) binds them together. During this process the wool shrinks by about 15-20% and you end up with one piece of felt material.
Once the felted picture is dry I needle felt into the piece to sharpen some of the details.
The final felt art is attached to a piece of acid free mount board and mounted as seen then posted out ready for you to take to a framer to choose the frame.
Click here to read more about the process.
This original Wild Atlantic Way painting would make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Ireland, Galway Bay, traditional sailing boats or the dramatic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is perfect for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings or as a lasting reminder of a memorable journey along Ireland’s beautiful west coast.
Your original artwork will be carefully packaged with card and bubble wrap to ensure it arrives safely.
UK Royal Mail Tracked 24 service
INTERNATIONAL Tracked and signed for service
The Wild Atlantic Way is 1600 miles long on mainly the west coast of Ireland.
If you have any problems at check out on your mobile phone – please try your computer instead. If you can’t order via your computer please cotact me and let me know. I will then help you with your purchase. Thank you Janine.
