About Me
I was born in New York. From the age of six I spent eight years in an English boarding school (which I loved; not a sad story!), and have lived most of my life in Ireland as my family moved to Dublin when I was a small boy. I have always had an interest in art, drama, and music and when not painting I spend my time watching films, reading, or getting together with my musician friends to sing and play music.
I spent many years working as a picture framer in Dublin, London and New Jersey before opening my own framing business in Dublin in 2001. Things went well until the 2009 global recession forced me to close the doors of the business. Framing helped me to appreciate well structured composition, colour co-ordination and a general understanding of aesthetics.
Creative Process
My excitement builds as I prepare for a new painting. I cut and join my own stretcher timber and buy large rolls of canvas which I cut and stretch myself. I then prime the canvas before painting. Once the painting is finished and varnished I offer my collectors the option of having the painting framed by myself if they so wish. I love that I am responsible not only for the artwork, but the complete article from start to finish.
The further into a painting I go, the harder I find it to put down my brushes and to take a break. I would love to say that I always enjoy time in my studio but to be honest I sometimes become 'worked up' and a little stressed when things aren't going well. I then take a short break, a deep breath and carry on. The colourful shapes then begin to emerge from the shadows and dark areas that are prevalent in my work. I love strong contrasts between light and shade. This is what excites me when painting.
Discovering Painting
I enjoyed art at school but it wasn't until I painted as an adult that I discovered my passion. I am self-taught with help from the internet and from attending life drawing sessions. My first real confidence boost came when an early painting "His Kingdom" was accepted by the Royal Hibernian Academy for inclusion in their RHA Annual Exhibition.