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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