2026 NEWS  - UPDATED 19th February 2026

Hi  Everyone

I've just updated this website page for 2026 - sorry it's been a bit slow, but I had technical problems with the site - my fault!
I will update the other pages as soon as possible - but this page is now up to date.

I'm sure you're looking forward to a great painting year in 2026. I wish you great progress and success!  If you'd like to improve your painting skills, maybe I can help through one of my workshops this year.

The key update to highlight is that I've reduced my workshop/teaching commitments this year -  by not taking on any Enniskerry based workshops in the Schoolhouse for Art - I advised them (sadly, after 12 years of most enjoyable working with them) that I was 'retiring' from 'Away' based workshops and any future workshops would be based in/near my home and studio in Co. Mayo near Cong.
But  - I have two previously committed plein air festival commitments that I will fulfil this year as well as my annual Roundstone August workshop that I've run for over the past 20 years.

So, here are my 2026 commitments as of today's date - but I may add one or two workshops from or near my studio, so keep an eye on this website for any updates:

KINVARA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL   JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND   FRI 29 MAY to MON 1st JUNE 2026
I will be running a one-day workshop on Saturday 30th May at the beautiful harbour in Kinvara - for more information and to book go to kinvarapleinair.ie   Please note -  I cannot take bookings for this festival.

​This Kinvara Bank holiday weekend festival is a great opportunity to sample the fantastic fun of being at a plein air painting festival - it's for every level of ability - from beginner to professional level painters.  And Kinvara is just an amazing location with so many places to paint, from the beautiful village itself, the pretty harbour, boats and houses, as well as the nearby stunning Burren landscape and ancient abbeys.  What a great way to spend a memorable organised weekend with lots of workshops, exhibition and social opportunities.

ART IN THE OPEN FESTIVAL, WEXFORD SUN 26 JULY to MON 3 AUGUST 2026
In Wexford at the end of July, I will be running two half-day workshops at locations in/near Wexford town - 
This is  a must-join painting festival at some stage in your painting life - the biggest in Europe and it visits an amazing variety of locations in and near Wexford over this lengthy festival period.
Superbly organised, it's for every level of painting ability, with lots of different art/painting opportunities to enjoy.
For more information and booking go to  artintheopen.org website. Please note -   I cannot take bookings for this festival.

ROUNDSTONE 5-DAY PAINTING WORKSHOP   MON 17 AUGUST to FRI 21 AUGUST 2026
Set in the stunning Connemara landscape, this annual workshop - over 5 days - allows me to cover many different aspect of successful outdoor painting.  Based at the Community Centre, from 10.00 to 11.00 each morning I cover a different key painting topic, then - weather permitting - we will visit different painting locations each day. This workshop is suitable for any level except total beginner - so if you've painted a few paintings already, even years ago, then this workshop is for you.  It's also suitable for more advanced painters, right up to professional level, as I adjust my advice on location to suit everyone's level of experience.
You will also have a free half-day on Tuesday and Thursday to either continue painting on location, or visit other parts of Connemara and take photos for future paintings or check out Clifden with it's shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries.

My 2026 Roundstone Landscape Painting workshop runs in the 3rd week in August - Monday 17th to Friday 21st, and it's very popular, so if you're interested in joining, please contact ME   through this website's contact page or by email at [email protected] before you make any payment to ensure there's still a place available - as sometimes I have to refund deposits or full fees as there's no places left.  Thank you.  John
         
Finally, keep a check on this webpage as it's possible I might add one or two workshops during the year, and maybe one of them might be just the one for you.  And any suggestions for workshops are welcome - use the Contact page on this website, Thanks.

If you've any queries please email me through the contact page on this website and I'll try to advise you whats best for you.
I hope we meet up this year!   John

John Dinan

I've had nearly 40 years experience in teaching art, and have been a fulltime professional artist for over 20 years.
I share everything I know about drawing and painting - the techniques, the processes and stages of painting, the 'rules' or guidelines to creating really good paintings. I've often been asked "How come you share everything, most tutors hold back their 'secrets', aren't you afraid?" - I say "Because I've probably 30 years more experience than you have, and maybe thousands of paintings more created, so you'll have a long way to catch up on me!"   
So - I share everything I can with you, as appropriate to your level of experience so you get the most from my teaching.
I use teaching and demonstrations, but with an emphasis on my students actively drawing and painting when I give them one-to-one advice. And I try to do it in an informal, supportive, encouraging and enjoyable atmosphere where everyone feels at ease.
I want my students to leave the workshop enthused, encouraged and feeling much more in charge of how to approach your painting.
​And having had a really enjoyable experience!