Vendor Biography

My inspiration comes from all areas and especially the garden, the landscape around West Wicklow and my home place, Kilkenny. I usually bring a sketchbook and camera when I travel, recording more inspiring sights to paint. I use mainly oils and chalk pastels, occasionally Acrylics, watercolour or oil pastels. Charcoal is a favourite for drawing with pencils and watercolour for sketching.

Painting has been my passion for years. I have attended classes with many inspiring tutors and studied for an Arts degree with the Open University. Doing the Portfolio Preparation Course at Carlow introduced me to Mixed Media, Ceramics, Metalwork, Design as well as lots of painting and drawing and really broadened my ability.

I am a member of Cruthu at Russborough and have exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions during Kilkenny Arts week, Carlow Arts festival with the Barrow Valley Group in VISUAL, the open selection for Eigse, the Pigyard Gallery, Wexford Opera Festival as well as local exhibitions and workshops. My paintings are in collections in Ireland, England, America and New Zealand.

I was commissioned by Wicklow County Council to produce an artwork depicting Fair Trade, in conjunction with Baltinglass Active Retired Association, this is displayed in Baltinglass Library.

I teach Art locally and really enjoy the interaction and learning from students.

Maura