Blog

How to Use Notan for Stronger Oil Paintings

How to Use Notan for Stronger Oil Paintings

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 is 

Tips for Atmospheric Perspective in Landscape Painting

Tips for Atmospheric Perspective in Landscape Painting

Atmospheric perspective is one of the main techniques I use to add depth and realism to my landscape paintings, especially when painting plein air. It’s all about adjusting color, value, and clarity to mimic how we see the world. In the foreground, colors are rich 

A Guide to Commissioning an Original Oil Painting from a Dublin-Based Artist

A Guide to Commissioning an Original Oil Painting from a Dublin-Based Artist

Commissioning an oil painting is a unique and exciting way to bring something personal into your home. Whether you’re interested in a portrait of a loved one, a favorite landscape, or something entirely different, I’d love to work with you to create a piece that 

How to Look After an Original Oil Painting: A Complete Guide

How to Look After an Original Oil Painting: A Complete Guide

Owning an original oil painting is a wonderful experience, whether it’s a recent purchase or a treasured piece you’ve had for years. Oil paintings are surprisingly durable—but they still need a bit of care to prevent damage from dust, sunlight, and aging varnish. Here’s what 

My Favorite Tools and Supplies for Oil Painting and Plein Air Painting

My Favorite Tools and Supplies for Oil Painting and Plein Air Painting

*This is an ongoing list that I will be updating as I discover new things Plein air painting is such a rewarding and challenging practice, and over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my setup to include only the tools that make the process easier and more 

Top 5 compositional tips for Painters for more dynamic and engaging paintings

Top 5 compositional tips for Painters for more dynamic and engaging paintings

Top 5 Composition Tips Every Painter Should Know As a photographer turned oil painter, composition has always been at the heart of my work. In photography, composition is key to capturing a great shot, and as I transitioned to painting, I realised design over detail 

Best Apps for Oil and Plein Air Painters – useful tools

Best Apps for Oil and Plein Air Painters – useful tools

Best Apps for Oil and Plein Air Painters to Enhance Your Process As an oil and plein air painter, I’ve found that using apps can be really helpful for speeding up my painting process and offering support, especially when working outdoors or in the studio. 

Painting Castlegregory and the Maharees: Original Irish Art inspired by Kerry’s Coastline

Painting Castlegregory and the Maharees: Original Irish Art inspired by Kerry’s Coastline

Exploring the landscapes of Castlegregory and the Maharees through oil paintings and plein air studies. Castlegregory has always been more than just places to visit—it is deeply intertwined with my family’s history and have become the heart of my artistic journey. Nestled along the stunning 

Plein Air Oil Painting: A beginner’s essential How-To Guide

Plein Air Oil Painting: A beginner’s essential How-To Guide

Painting outdoors, or en plein air, is one of the most rewarding ways to create art. It allows you to immerse yourself in nature, capture the atmosphere of a scene in real time, and develop a stronger sense of light, color, and composition. In this