Author: Paul Colreavy

Artist Statement for ‘On Land and Water’

The subject matter of my work for anyone that knows it, is more or less consistent with what I started painting more than twenty years ago.
The paintings for ‘On Land and Water’ are derived from the constant feeling of being drawn back to the landscape of my surroundings in Sligo that continually compels me to reinterpret this subject.
I spend a lot of my time observing, while fly fishing from the boat on the lakes and sometimes the anticipation of the hatch can be the magical moment, where time stands still and you are helplessly spellbound by the beauty of nature.
Observing the landscape is a continuous wonderful experience, where images are constantly recorded and the notion of the feeling, or essence of the landscape, rather than just the visual are conjured up from the familiar. The paintings evolve from layering, scraping, removing and reworking until the image reveals itself and is accepted as the resolution of the preconceived. I continue to interpret the land and water around me and can never expect to be finished.

This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Paddy Creaven, founder of Cregal Art Galway.

Look out for one of my paintings to be included in The Hamilton Gallery’s 6th annual invited artists exhibition opening on July 18th 2019.
The exhibition is based on the poem by W.B. Yeats, Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen.

I have just confirmed a new solo show titled ‘On Land and Water’ to take place in Gallery Zozimus, Dublin.
The show will be in May 2019.
I will publish the exact dates closer to the time.
This will be the first solo show since the new studio was completed and I am greatly looking forward to displaying my new work!

 

Sample of the work which will be on show.

I was recently asked to donate a painting to the Friends of Aengus Charity Auction. I had no hesitation offering a painting for this auction, as Aengus deserves all the support he can get. Please look at the links below and support the fundraiser in any way you can. It takes place this Friday 7th December in The Corner House Bar in Riverstown, Sligo.

Check the following links for more details:

https://www.friendsofaengus.com/2018/11/charity-auction/

https://www.oceanfm.ie/2018/12/04/friends-of-aengus-charity-auction/?cn-reloaded=1

 

Recent months have been very busy with lots of new work underway.
It’s great to be able to work with the comfort of knowing that a suitable
space is at the ready always.
Here is a sneak preview of the new work.

 

Walls painted, flooring down and finally the studio is being put to use.

It was worth all the effort. The light is good and the space is great.

Lucas lends a hand as the walls are prepared for painting.

 

 

The concrete for the sub-floor arrives.

The wheelbarrow got a workout that day!!