Irish Portrait & Landscape Painter
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Castlegregory and the Maharees have always been more than just places to visit—they are deeply intertwined with my family’s history and have become the heart of my artistic journey. Nestled along the stunning coastline of County Kerry, these landscapes have shaped not only my love …
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 …