Irish Portrait & Landscape Painter
I painted this small oil portrait of a vintage Lenci doll as a birthday gift, so I wanted it to be something special. The painting is a portrait of a vintage Lenci doll, capturing its distinctive expression and characte. Lenci dolls were first produced in …
On a Sunday afternoon I headed up to Ticknock in the Dublin Mountains for a plein air painting session. Ticknock is one of those places that feels surprisingly rural considering how close it is to the city. Within minutes of leaving the car park the …
Painting portraits from life has become one of my favourite ways to stay sharp and keep learning. On Sundays, I join a small invited group of painters at the United Arts Club in Dublin for portrait practice — a relaxed but focused environment where we …
People are often surprised when they hear that painting wasn’t something I grew up doing. I always loved art — I spent years with a camera in my hand, visiting museums, studying light, noticing details — but I never imagined I’d one day be standing …
I’m delighted to share that my new Castlegregory greeting cards — all based on my original paintings of the area — are now available at SPAR in Castlegregory. Every card features a local scene that means something to me, from the coastline to the quiet …
A practical guide to the essential paperwork artists need for exhibitions—simple tools to stay organised, track sales, and reduce stress.
I just re-bought this €23 tripod, and honestly, I love it. I was previously using a professional tripod that cost me hundreds of euros, but this lightweight one has completely surprised me. It’s proof that a great plein air setup doesn’t have to be expensive …
A practical guide to composition in plein air painting, with clear tips on balance, flow, and structuring a strong outdoor scene.
How Atmospheric Perspective Enhances the Painting When I’m painting landscapes, atmospheric perspective is a great tool to help enhance depth and realism: Warm Colors in the Foreground: The colors in the foreground are often the most vibrant—yellows, oranges, and rich greens. These warm tones help …
Starting a painting—especially outdoors—can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to take in: shifting light, endless details, and the challenge of turning a three-dimensional scene into a strong composition. That’s why taking a moment for a Notan study before painting can be so helpful. Notan …