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Painting Portraits from Life

Painting Portraits from Life

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 

How I Started Plein Air Painting in Ireland

How I Started Plein Air Painting in Ireland

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 

Castlegregory Greeting Cards Featuring My Original Paintings

Castlegregory Greeting Cards Featuring My Original Paintings

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 

Art Exhibition Tips: Essential Paperwork Every Artist Should Bring.

Art Exhibition Tips: Essential Paperwork Every Artist Should Bring.

A practical guide to the essential paperwork artists need for exhibitions—simple tools to stay organised, track sales, and reduce stress.

The €23 Tripod I Love for Plein Air Painting

The €23 Tripod I Love for Plein Air Painting

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 

The Importance of Composition in Plein Air Painting

The Importance of Composition in Plein Air Painting

A practical guide to composition in plein air painting, with clear tips on balance, flow, and structuring a strong outdoor scene.

Tips for Mastering Atmospheric Perspective in Landscape Painting

Tips for Mastering Atmospheric Perspective in Landscape Painting

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 

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 

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

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

A clear guide to caring for original oil paintings, with practical tips on placement, cleaning, and long-term preservation.

Top 5 Composition Tips Every Painter Should Know

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 quickly realized that design over detail is even more important. While color,