March 21, 2025
How do you define your artistic style, how has it evolved ?
My style blends Impressionism and Realism, focusing on light and atmosphere to evoke a strong sense of place. Over time, I’ve moved from detailed realism to a looser, more expressive approach.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
I begin by observing the landscape—often sketching or photographing on site—then develop the composition in my studio, layering tone and color to capture mood and light.What steps do you take from the initial concept to the final product?:
It starts with inspiration in nature, followed by rough sketches or notes. I then create a tonal underpainting, building up layers until the light, texture, and emotion come togetherAre there specific environments, moods, or moments that spark your creativity most?
Coastal weather, evening light, and shifting skies over Donegal often spark my creativity—those fleeting, quiet moments in nature.
Many artists have a particular theme or subject matter that they explore in their work. Is there a recurring theme in your art?:
Yes, I frequently return to themes of solitude, memory, and connection to place, especially within the Irish landscape.What artists, past or present, have inspired or influenced your work?:
The Impressionists, especially Monet and Pissarro, as well as Irish painters like Paul Henry and contemporary landscape artists.In the evolving world of art, how do you stay current with new techniques or mediums, and have you recently experimented with any?:
I stay current by attending exhibitions and engaging with other artists. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with mixed media and textured grounds to enhance atmosphere.With so many diverse art forms and expressions, how do you decide which medium or method best conveys your vision for a particular piece?
I choose based on the subject and emotion I want to express—oil is my go-to for its depth and luminosity, but I also use watercolour or graphite when I want a lighter touch.
