Monday, December 28, 2009

Cottage Reflection



Cottage Reflection - oil on canvas - 14"x10" - sold

After long walks I find myself more 'tuned in' and looser in my approach and application when it comes to my handling of paint - just saying enough in describing with the quickest and simplest of strokes. The images I create in this fashion I feel are evocative and resonate more energy as though they are painting themselves.

Tomorrow morning I leave to take up residency back at the cottage studio in Cill Rialaig. This will be my third residency in Cill Rialaig this year and I am so delighted to be asked back and afforded this opportunity to work in such a special place.

On January 6th an RTE nationwide tv crew are coming to meet me in studio to document my art and work practice. Will let you know when the documentary is being aired.

I should be returning to Dublin on the 12th of January and will update you on the work I have made. Until then I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.

- Richard

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Winter Stacks


Winter Stacks, Cill Rialaig, Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry - 10"x5" - sold

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been following my work and for all the beautiful, kind and encouraging emails I have received. It is an incredible feeling to be able to work at what I feel so passionately about.

Arriving back in Cill Rialaig a couple of weeks ago gave me a chance to experience the landscape in the middle of winter.

I was so delighted to find the haystacks still standing across the path from my cottage that I decided to create this small diptych in which I attempted to convey the bright, low winter sun at its crispest and most intense.

Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

-Richard

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Candle and Jug



Candle and Jug -oil/panel - 5"x5" - sold

My main concepts in approaching this quick study was to simplify shapes and create it using three tones and as little colour as possible.

Hope you like it.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Satsumas



Satsumas - oil/panel - 7"x5"- sold

During my time in Cill Rialaig I concentrated mostly on larger still life pieces and landscape painting but in the evenings if I had the energy after a full days work in the studio I would create a quick study like this. It was nice to get something else made at the last minute before hitting the bed!

Today marks the last day of my show exhibition at the Grange Gallery which has run now for over a month. The response to the show has been really great. Thanks to all for your kind comments and support during the exhibition.

Anyone who has purchased work(s) from the show and has yet to pick the piece(s) up can contact me directly at info@richardhearns.com or can call into the gallery today between now and 6.30pm.

Many thanks.

-Richard

Monday, December 21, 2009

Alla Prima

The majority of my paintings, especially the pieces that feature here on my blog are painted 'Alla Prima'.

'Alla Prima' refers to a painting finished in one session that captures the appearance on an object(s) or scene in one unglazed, painted layer.

Most of my works including very large pieces created over the past few years have been made in this fashion.
So if I was to attempt to categorize the way in which I work or the way in which my pieces come about in relation to painting techniques - this would be it - a kind of 'non technique', done in a direct, expressive style, with minimal preparation.

Working this way I feel keeps the paint and painting alive - the brush strokes retain a resonance and energy, and it leaves me feeling.. refreshed!

-Richard

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bagged Chillies



Bagged Chillies with thumb tack - oil/panel - 7"x5" - sold

Just arrived back to Dublin after my second two week residency in studio at the Cill Rialaig Art Foundation in Co. Kerry.
I have to say its all a bit of a shock arriving back to Dublin traffic and bright lights, not to mention a telly and a computer!

Having kept myself occupied for two weeks in studio on a cliffs edge with some paint and brushes, Lyric fm and a turf fire to keep stacked this is all a bit to much to cope with!
Anyway I'll manage, and will admit missing sending out my finished works for you all to see.

So here we are - what I intend to do is to post all the observational still life paintings made over the last weeks. Then concentrate on sending out a body of work dealing with the landscape which I made in my studio in Cill Rialaig from memory and some 'plein air' pieces created in and around the magnificent Ballinskeilligs and cliffs at Bolus head.

The piece above was the first completed piece made on the night of arrival at my studio.
I was attracted to the idea of describing these beautiful colourful chillies. They were sitting side by side in this dark triangular package and decided to thumb tack the package to the wall and make a study from there.

Hope you like it.
- Richard

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Red in Blue on Red



Red in Blue on Red (still life with Thai red chillies and blue ceramic) -oil/panel- 7"x5" - sold

Monday, November 30, 2009

A Bottle of Black



A Bottle of Black - oil/panel - 7"x5" - sold
(Still Life with Guinness bottle on Wooden Cabinet)
I had actually started this piece some months ago in Roundstone Connemara, and just could not find the right surrounding for the proud stout bottle I was describing.
I kept thinking that I would have to bring the bottle and my paints down to a pub table and paint it in that sort of atmospheric interior.
Of course fearing the wrath of the publican that never happened, and when I arrived home from my recent artists residency in Cill Rialaig, Co. Kerry I found this beautiful antique cabinet which had been located in the kitchen of my family home had now found its way into my studio!
Then just the other day I noticed the day light beaming through the window onto the cabinet top and I quickly grabbed up the bottle, placing it down I got to work to capture the lights warmth on the bottle and surrounding wooden surface.
'Sláinte!'
-Richard

Friday, November 27, 2009

*New Blog Launched



Here is a link to my new blog -'RHA' http://www.richardhearnsart.blogspot.com/
Which will feature Works created during painting sessions from life in the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Working with a live model is an energizing and educational lesson. The human figure is such a complicated form and has in it all the qualities to teach and challenge you as an artist.
Looking forward to see how these RHA painting sessions feed into my work and help me to further develop as an Artist.
-Richard

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Delft Bowl with Knife and Apple



Delft Bowl with Knife and Apple - oil/panel - 7"x5" - sold

Have just arrived in after the most exhilarating day painting in the RHA - Royal Hibernian Academy on Ely Place in Dublin City.

To my delight I was recently invited to join into the RHA life drawing sessions.

Some of Ireland's most prominent painters are in this group including James Hanley, Martin Gale and Mick O'Dea. It was just an amazing experience to be painting with them.
Can not wait to go back in the week after next.

I spent the day painting from life and have a near finished piece to show for it.

Over the next few days I will compose a new blog which will feature all finished figurative works I produce during these RHA sessions.

The morning light through my studio window gave this piece above a real focus, and the strong long shadows casted by each of the various objects, I felt, created really interesting negative shapes as I began to crop in on my subject.
Hope you like it.
-Richard

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Rapeepan



Rapeepan (portrait of my wife) -oil/panel - 5"x5" - nfs

This study of Pu's face was created in about 10 minutes the other evening when she came into my studio and sat down to see what I was working on.
I grabbed up my brush and a new panel and 'ordered' her to sit still for me. The light and shadows that fell across her face just sang out to me to be captured.

This portrait of Pu marks the 250th post to my blog and is the only portrait or figurative study to be posted to date.
I hadn't made a portrait of her in a long time - in fact I think it was about 2005 when I last made a sketch of her.

Portraits of my closest friends used to be a really big part of my creative output.
Maybe I'll put together a collection of these works for you to see sometime.

Of course I really love this piece.
-Richard

Friday, November 20, 2009

Black Ceramic Cups and Saucer



Black Ceramic Cups and Saucer - oil/panel - 5"x5" - sold

Many thanks to all who attended the launch of my Solo Show last night and for all the well wishes and support I have received by email over the last week or so.
The show has really got off to a great start and am very much looking forward to see how the work is received over the coming weeks.

This Solo Show continues until Tuesday December 22nd, so if you didn't get a chance to get in to see the collection of works on display last night the opportunity is still there, and I believe the gallery will be open seven days a week in the lead up to Christmas.

If you would like a titles and price list for the ongoing Show or to reserve a painting on this site you can email me at info@richardhearns.com

Now I will begin working towards my next solo show in late March of 2010. Will let you know more about that show in the coming months.

Received another invitation of a residency in the Cill Rialaig arts centre before Christmas so very much looking forward to that opportunity.

Thanks again for all your support and encouragement.
-Richard

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Monochromatic Study

Monochromatic Study with Nostalgic Objects - oil/panel - 12"x9" - sold
(image unavailable)

Today marks the Official launch of my solo exhibition in the Grange Gallery. Reception starts about 7pm.
Hope you can come along to celebrate my work with me.

The painting was created by using and mixing one earthy oil colour with black.
The 'nostalgic objects' are an ol' jug, black stout bottle and an old biscuit tin.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Saint Fursey's Song



Saint Fursey's Song -oil/panel - 7"x5" - sold
(a view towards Scariff Island, Co. Kerry)

This piece was created some months ago during my second residency in Cill Rialaig.
As some of you may know the image of an island has been a recurrent subject and motif in my work for many years now.

Each day during my stay in Cill Rialaig I gazed upon the majestic island of Scariff and towards the end of my stay I created this painting.

After completing the piece I walked into the communal cottage which houses a pretty extensive library. I flipped open a book of poems entitled 'The Sky didn't fall' by a poet called Kerry Hardie
and this was the poem I happened upon.

'Saint Fursey's Song'.
St. Fursey speaks to his brothers, St Ultan and St Foillan.

'Come, brothers,
we are free now, let us live freely,
the rose and the fire in our hearts.

Let us not worry our heads over rightness or wrongness,
nor fret about goodness,
but sing like the birds in the trees.

And we will go wandering, following the light,
we will speak where we will, and sleep where we will,
and take no more care than the lilies in His book.

I made enquiries of the olive-skinned young man,
he who studies under Cumian
and comes from a place he calls Lebanon;

he tells me these lilies spring up like our orchids fair and careless and singing with colour
and we three will be like them and will walk

with easy steps even in the darkest, most fearsome of places,
and certainly we will fear,
But underneath our fear we will be fearless,

So let us take up our ash -plants and be off,
and you, Ultan, bring that pup if you cannot leave her,
she will lift up your heart when your feet are sore,

she may even bring us a bird for the pot but I doubt it,
I think she is not of the stuff of great hunters.
And you, Foillan, tell your crow to follow after,

and sometimes to go before us to show us the way,
for he is a ruffianly bird, full of appetite
and hard sense,
and it's well that men like us be watched for by such as him.

Now farewell, Ireland, Loveliest of all earth's lands.
we may never more see you with human eyes,
but know that we will always have sight of you in our hearts.

And farewell to all who dwell in this land,
do not fear for us, for our souls are safe,
and what are our bodies but little sod houses

putting shelter round fire and round love?
What harm then if the house should crumble?
Fire and love cannot crumble,
fire and love will burn always
in one house or another
lighting windows in the darkest light.

.................................................................

Friday, November 13, 2009

'Solo Show' - Exhibition Notice



Majestic Dawn, Co. Kerry - oil/panel - 24"x18" - sold

The last of my latest works were hung yesterday in the gallery exhibition space for the launch of my solo show next week.

This exhibit will showcase a large series of expressive landscape and observational still life paintings which I created here both at home in Dublin and on my recent residencies in the Burren, Co . Clare and Cill Rialaig in Co. Kerry. (most of which can be previewed here on my Blog, http://www.richardhearnspaintings.blogspot.com/ )

The Show Opens Officially at The Grange Gallery, Oldtown/ Ballyboughal, North Co.Dublin with a wine reception hosted by the Gourmet Food Company, this Thursday the 19th of November 2009 at 7.30pm. Exhibition Continues until Tuesday the 22nd of December.

I think the show looks just fabulous , so I really hope you can come along to the opening night or over the Christmas season to see the work for yourself.

Oh! before I forget, the painting above was created during my recent residency at the old famine village of Cill Rialaig in south west Kerry. I got up at dawn to capture the majestic views from the cliffs looking towards Ballinskellig bay.

Hope you like it - Richard

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Red Apple in a little Blue Ceramic



Red Apple in a little Blue Ceramic -o/p - 5"x5" - sold

Later today or tomorrow I will be posting an 'Exhibition Notice' with details about my Solo Show in the Grange Gallery. The exhibition was hung yesterday, and if I may be so bold - 'looks really Amazing'. Looking forward to the Official Launch.
If you would like to 'reserve a Painting' or receive a 'titles and prices list' just send me an email with your request.

- Richard

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

In a Blue Bowl



In a Blue Bowl - oil/panel - 5"x5" - sold

Just heading out this morning to drop my last pieces of work into the Grange Gallery where a solo show of my work is to be be held shortly.
A preview of the show starts from tomorrow, and the official opening is on next Thursday the 19th of November. I am really excited and cant wait to see all the work displayed in the gallery space. The show runs until December 22nd.

Will post more details here and on my website over the next few days.

-Richard

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Wedding Bouquet



The Wedding Bouquet - oil/panel - 7"x5"

As some of you may know I got married a couple of weeks ago to my partner of five years, Rapeepan Lapromma or 'Pu', as most of you know her by her pet name. Had an absolutely wonderful day and have just returned home last night after a weeks honeymoon in Madrid.

The Spanish capital was just awe inspiring not to mention extremely romantic!

We really got around visiting all the Art museums ( my favorite place to be other then the studio), including El Prado, The Museo Thyssen and Reina Sofia which we visited yesterday to see Picasso's 'Guernica', while not forgetting all the sites and restaurants ( Pu's favorite place to be)!

Above is another study of The Wedding Bouquet - this time I cropped in to concentrate my efforts on describing, even more, the dramatic light, textures and tonal shifts across the flowers.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Tube, Brass and Glass



Tube, Brass and Glass - oil/panel - 24"x18" - sold

The whole challenge with this piece was in the act of describing the different consistencies of an old paint tube, brass and glass on the same large panel.
I worked in a Chiaroscuro manner controlling the light in my painting to explode at my centre of interest - the paint tube.
In starting I worked on my canvas in near total darkness which helped me to concentrate specifically on the tonal qualities I wanted to achieve in the painting.
I remember vividly describing the glass bottle in the background by pulling and pushing the paint around with only my fingers.

Hope you like this piece.
-Richard

Detail Below

(Detail) Tube, Glass and Brass - o/p - 24"x18"

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Red Rose and Wild Flowers

sold

Red Rose and Wild Flower Arrangement -oil/panel - 12"x9"

"Each flower is a soul blossoming out to nature". - Gerard de Nerval

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Pre - Dawn



Pre - Dawn, Cill Rialaig, Co .Kerry - oil/panel - 7"x5" - sold

Collection of The Cill Rialaig Arts Project.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Within a Lover's Reach

sold

Within a Lover's Reach -oil/panel - 7"x5"

The observational analytic pieces I create are a real means to an end. I have found the disciplined process of working this way for the last year and a half to be extremely beneficial to me as regards 'seeing' and my application of paint in descriptive passages.
Capturing the essence of things for example - a recent painting of various wild flowers and roses is imbued with the sense of 'each individual flower'. There 'essence' is captured.

My vision was formed over the years largely by working alone, living on small islands off the coast of Cambodia. From the age of nineteen I have continued to work relentlessly on my motif.
As a child I drew hooded figures - when I travelled to Asia the hoods came down and a more transcendent figure emerged.
Even in my quite’ island paintings’ I feel the figure present - perhaps we are seeing through his eyes. Often there are sticks or stakes which break the linear horizontal plane and shoot upward vertically.To me these represent humanity, spirit and human endeavour.

As the days brightened up during my stay in residency at Cill Rialaig I began seeing the motifs closest to my heart emerging - an island just like the islands I had gazed upon day after day in south east Asia.
I couldn't believe I had found islands in Ireland that made me yearn in the same way.

- Richard

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Shoes and Socks



Shoes and Socks - oil/panel - 5"x5" - nfs

Near the haystacks I sat down on a rug and basked in the warmth of the sun. When I re-opened my eyes the subject for my next painting was right there in front of me - My shoes and socks as I'd left them, in glorious light and shade.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Old Shed, Cill Rialaig



Old Shed, Cill Rialaig - oil/panel - 5"x 5"

Luminous falling shadows crept all around the old famine village of Cill Rialaig.
The days were bright and warm - I walked from place to place - a lu'minarist - with my palette in hand - creating studies - 'in the open air'.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Through the Turf Shed



Through the Turf Shed - oil/panel - 5"x5" - sold

I stooped down to peer in through this old stone built pre-famine turf shed sitting above the Atlantic on cliffs near Bolas Head.
The contrasting light gleaming through from the reflective sea captured and excited me.
I felt in those moments while observing and painting I had found 'a very private beauty'.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Friday, October 2, 2009

Sunrise



Sunrise, Cill Rialaig, Co Kerry -oil/panel - 12"x9"

“I don't want anybody to stand between the individual and existence. No prayer, no priest - you alone are enough to face the sunrise.” - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh


Thursday, October 1, 2009

Near Derrynane, Co. Kerry



Near Derrynane, Co Kerry - oil/panel - 17"x16"
A drive along the Kerry Ring towards Derrynane inspired this piece.
Beautiful colours and breaking light - all nature lush and radiant after the rain.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Burren Landscape



Burren Landscape - oil/panel - 26"x12"

This panoramic landscape, which was created during my recent studio residency, depicts a view towards MullaghmĂłr mountain and the greater Burren national park in Co. Clare.

I couldn't stop thinking of a young Turner while painting the expansive moody skies.

This painting will feature in my solo show at the Grange Gallery which officially opens this Thursday 19th of November at 7pm with a wine reception. Hope you can come along to see the work.

- Richard

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Over the Hills



Over the Hills - oil/canvas - 14"x12" - sold

“Enthusiasm is a telescope that yanks the misty, distant future into the radiant, tangible present.”

Monday, September 28, 2009

A Great Epic



A Great Epic, Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry - oil/canvas - 27"x15" - sold

A walk up along the curving path at the cliffs edge, Bolas head - the last road in Ireland. The rain and mist came down in sheets of wetness - covering me - soaked but happy. I could hear the roar of the Atlantic but it was barely visible - I looked at the path in front of me and inland at the green sod earth, hills and steams bursting with life and colour.

Refreshed, I walked fast - back to the studio - paints out - a memory captured forever.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Patchwork Fields on Bolus



Patchwork Fields on Bolus- oil/panel - 6"x6" - sold

The piece above was created during a stay at the Cill Rialaig Art Foundation located on Bolus head in Co. Kerry.

I created a series of these patchwork like pieces one late evening during my stay from just outside the door of my cottage/studio. I adopted a lose kind of almost graphic approach to the landscape and simplified the shapes and details down to single strokes and dabs of paint.

This view above is looking onto the fields that roll and rise up and out towards the head land and sky over Bolus.

Patchwork verge on Bolas



Patchwork verge on Bolus - oil/panel -6"x6" - sold

This is the second of a series of patchwork like delineated small studies created during an evenings painting at the Cill Rialaig project.

I would like to create a large series of pieces made in this fashion because it really makes you concentrate on effortless and simplistic application while at the same time forces you to look at shapes and how they relate to each other.

- Richard

Through the Burren



Through the Burren - oil/panel - 12"x9" - sold

A Plein air piece inspired by many walks through the Burren close to Abbey Hill.
Using muted colours and happening on a range of greys I painted quickly to capture the feeling of the surrounding landscape and approaching misty showers.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Bend in the Road



The Bend in the Road, The Burren,Co. Clare - oil/canvas - 46"x24"

This large painting was created during my last couple of weeks in the Burren .
The piece is based on memories of roads traveled and rocks and stones.
Using a limited palette I endeavored to evoke a dream like quality - a representation of the feelings I had on approach to the Burren.

Hope you like this piece.
-Richard

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Old Harbour, Roundstone



The Old Harbour, Roundstone -oil on canvas wrapped panel - 10"x8" - sold

A Plein Air painting I made during my painting trip to Roundstone last June.

It was this fantastic light gleaming on the water behind the pile of lobster pots that really captured my attention when I walked down to the old pier in Roundstone.
Worked really quickly using a limited palette of 4 colours to create this piece and am happy with the muted feeling and captured light.

Hope you like it.
-Richard

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Maam Turks



Maam Turks -a Landscape of Form - oil/panel - 12"x9" - sold

A piece I made back in late June or early July of this year during a painting trip to the village of Roundstone in Connamara.
Put the finishing touches to this piece a few weeks ago in my Burren studio.