‘’Like many artists before me that have been held spellbound by the beauty of the west of Ireland, I believe there is a special energy deeply rooted in the landscape of the west. It is that which I aim to capture in my paintings.
such as My paintings are inspired and influenced by the Irish landscape paintings of Paul Henry and John Luke, as well as contemporary artists sDonald Teskey. A love of strong, vibrant colours has been inspired by artists such as Norah McGuiness and French artist Claude Idlas.
There is a simple beauty in the silent, stone farmhouses that are found along the west coast of Ireland. The peeling whitewash, the cracked walls, give these old buildings each their own character, while the twin chimneys, one at each gable end, give them their unique, distinctive look.
They have become part of the fabric of the countryside, in tune with the land they rest on, sympathetic to their surroundings. And that is how I try to capture them, as another element of the landscape alongside the changing skies, the rolling fields and bogs, the mountains and the seas.
But there is a sadness and a loneliness about them too.
These old houses have borne witness to over 100 years of Irish emigration. Like Sentinels standing guard, they look out to sea, watching yet another generation of Irish men, women and children emigrate in search of work and a better life. Waiting quietly for their return.
