Original paintings inspired by the landscape, atmospheric images, wild open spaces, big skies and dramatic weather conditions are my passion for the larger canvases painted in a more contemporary semi-abstract way, although in contrast I do occasionally paint the Derbyshire Dales and woodlands in a slightly more figurative style using acrylic based mixed media, not too figurative though. I prefer working quite large using vibrant colour and texture to create a dramatic aura of primitive wildness, canvases that hopefully have wow factor.

I was born in Dublin and my roots are most definately in Ireland, I have an affinity with the Irish landscape and I think my paintings are influenced by memories of Ireland. After my 3 daughters had all flown the nest, I studied Fine Art at the university of Derby as a mature student graduating in 1999 and since then my paintings have been included in exhibitions in London, the RBSA, Birmingham and in many private collections. Some of my larger canvases have also been commissioned by Corporate Architects for commercial premises.

Living on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak district you would think is a disadvantage for someone who is inspired by the coast and the sea but teaching watercolours on the cruise ships gives me the opportunity to observe the ocean at close quarters, it is also a brilliant opportunity to see the world and meet people who also enjoy painting and some painting for the first time. On board ship we have tackled many subjects from a busy Tunisian souk to an Elephant trek in Thailand, a Volcanic Island, figures on the beach in the Andamen Islands, Napoleons garden on the island of Elba, a rubber plantation in Malaysia and of course boats and surf from various locations. Sunsets are a favourite with the passengers and we have been lucky enough to see some incredible sunsets especially in the middle east, in particular on a Dhow cruise in Oman which was a memorable experience, dolphins swam alongside the Dhow and the mountainous scenery was spectacular as we returned through the fjords to the ship in the late afternoon as the sun was setting, the range of mountains silhouetted against the intense colour of the sky.

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