Paintings in Landscape

“The Irish Summer” is exhibiting at The Gaslamp Gallery from Friday 4th to Saturday 12th September.

For more info on viewing the exhibition please visit the gallery’s page here.

To most the Irish summer is a thing of myths and legends, a flash of light glimpsed rarely by a lucky few. These paintings form a different story, told through the eyes of an artist whose favourite colours are found only in the hearts of the mightiest clouds. It is a tale of the never-ending battle between light and dark that can pack a season’s-worth of colour into a single day…twice.

This is the story of one such day. A bright, cool, calm, cloudy, wet, warm, windy, dry day where each side has its moments of glory. The light may be the traditional peoples favourite, but this is a challenge to explore a darker, but arguably richer side of the season.

The landscapes and seascapes of Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford are beautiful whether they are glowing under the sun or freshly washed by rain. Much of the inspiration for this collection was gathered by simply waiting and watching, producing paintings only minutes apart in time but at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of colour and light. There is a reason we spend so much time talking about the weather – it’s always up to something.

The Irish Summer

Give it Five Minutes, Great Drying Now

Tara Hill under a huge purple rain cloud
12×16 ins, oil on canvas, framed

These two paintings sum up ‘The Irish Summer’ for me. In the time it takes to get from one side of town to the other the darkest skies can clear to bright sunshine, leaving the landscape fresh and all the more colourful. ‘Great Drying Now’ is all about those moments when summer is at its brightest.

The same hill looks very different in the middle of a summer shower. The combination of sunlight and huge clouds creates deep, rich colours that I love to paint with. Painting rain is also a chance to just let the paint run, creating lots of movement and unique little textures.

So, the Irish summer’s unreliability is what gives it the best of both sides, but can I convince you to join me on the dark side?

Tara hill in bright summer light
12×16 ins, oil on canvas, framed

Upcoming Exhibition

The Irish Summer

“The Irish Summer” will be exhibiting at The Gaslamp Gallery from Friday 4th to Saturday 12th September.

All are invited to the opening wine reception on Friday 4th September at 7.30pm.

The Gaslamp Gallery, 46 Esmonde St, Gorey, Co Wexford.

To most the Irish summer is a thing of myths and legends, a flash of light glimpsed rarely by a lucky few. These paintings form a different story, told through the eyes of an artist whose favourite colours are found only in the hearts of the mightiest clouds. It is a tale of the never-ending battle between light and dark that can pack a season’s-worth of colour into a single day…twice.

This is the story of one such day. A bright, cool, calm, cloudy, wet, warm, windy, dry day where each side has its moments of glory. The light may be the traditional peoples favourite, but this is a challenge to explore a darker, but arguably richer side of the season.

The landscapes and seascapes of Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford are beautiful whether they are glowing under the sun or freshly washed by rain. Much of the inspiration for this collection was gathered by simply waiting and watching, producing paintings only minutes apart in time but at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of colour and light. There is a reason we spend so much time talking about the weather – it’s always up to something.

There’s Trouble Brewing

oil painting of rain approaching the Sugarloaf on a bright morning
12×32 ins, oil on canvas

Something new is on the way. It’s been brewing all summer and now it’s just about here. From September 4th to 11th I will have a new collection of paintings exhibiting in The Gaslamp Gallery. The exhibition will open with a wine reception on Friday evening, September 4th, so save the date and watch for more details here over the coming weeks.