Despite the large number of visitors it is amazingly easy, by wandering off the beaten track, to find the peace and solitude that make some special places your own private kingdom.
My paintings usually begin with a trip out into Killarney National Park, cycling or on foot. I do small oil sketches, take some photographs, but spend a lot of time just sitting and looking. I return full of enthusiasm but generally take a day or two to let ideas "brew" and consider composition etc. before tackling a larger studio painting. While I am working on a painting I like to return as often as possible to the location to experience that special atmosphere.
My style of painting is mainly representational. I may move rocks or trees or exaggerate certain aspects to aid composition or to emphasize my personal response but they are still recognizable as particular rocks or trees to those who know the location.
I paint in a traditional manner, starting with thin paint building up in layers using glazing and scumbling and finally using thicker paint in an impasto fashion in certain areas to give texture and depth.
My main aim in painting is to try and capture that special light and atmosphere that make these places magical.
