I am a figurative artist and portrait painter based in the West of Ireland. I work out of my studio, The Old Forge, at The North Mayo Heritage Centre, near Ballina in County Mayo.
Mount Nephin by the shores of Lough Conn, Co.Mayo, Ireland
I have loved drawing since I was a child and have always been compelled to draw faces. I am a self-taught painter.
When I am drawing or painting a portrait, I like to feel my way around a face. It is a process of discovery. My aim is to portray the life that is lived. I try to capture what is seen on the surface of the face and that which is projected from within. It is a challenge to catch that smile in the eyes and the emotions that the sitter inadvertently reveals or attempts to conceal.
I feel that I have succeeded when the painting or drawing pulls the viewer in and there is an emotional connection made. I primarily draw in ink and paint in oils. However, some of my work is in charcoal and acrylic.
Currently, I am painting a series of pictures depicting the female form in different seasons of the year. My work also involves creating narrative paintings of people. I find a lot of inspiration from poetry and song lyrics and I am endeavouring to convey what the words make me see and feel.