Pear and Grapes

Pear and Grapes - oil on canvas - 16"x16" - sold

Started this piece a couple of weeks ago when the RTE film crew came to document my work at the studio I was keeping in Cill Rialaig.

They took some video of me working on it in it's initial stages but I never had a chance to finish it that night due to being so exhausted after all the days excitement.

Came home to Dublin and set up again on an old antique desk in my studio.

With this piece I worked to convey a sense of movement and balance through light, shadow and arrangement.

Hope you like it.

Yesterday marked my third painting session at the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Being in there is so energizing - will post new images of works made soon.

-Richard

White in White on Blue

White in White on Blue - oil/panel -5"x5" - sold

Peeled Satsuma

Peeled Satsuma -oil/panel - 6"x6"

Composition with Chillies and Garlic

Composition with Chillies and Garlic - oil on canvas - 12"x9" - sold

My initial concept with this piece was to convey a feeling of space and depth.
Using to my advantage the strong vertical line in the table top and an angled light that shots across and upwards I worked to point the eye into the middle and background centers of interest.

Hope to get a better photo of this piece soon and re - post it.

Traveling into the RHA life painting session today - can't wait as it has been a few weeks since I had a chance to painting there due to working in residency in Cill Rialaig. Should have a new figurative piece to post on my RHA Blog soon.

- Richard

Two Pears and a Jug

Two Pears and a Jug - oil on canvas - 12"x9" - sold

Green Chillies with Hand Turned Bowls

Green Chillies with Hand Turned Bowls - oil on canvas - 12"x9" - sold

Red Apple for a Tinker

Red Apple for a Tinker - oil on canvas - 12"x9" - sold
(Composition with wrapped red apple and tin cup)

The Black Kettle

The Black Kettle - oil on canvas - 16"x16" - sold

Arrived home yesterday after completing my first artist residency of 2010.
The days were mostly bright and crisp over the new year with clear views of the snow covered Kerry mountains.
During my time spent there I worked mostly on large still life paintings and on some very large landscapes towards the end.

RTE television came to visit me and document my work a few days ago.
It was a brilliant experience for me and the crew made the days shooting very comfortable and enjoyable. The documentary will feature on 'RTE Nationwide' in March or April.
Will let you all know when it is due to be aired.

The stone built and thatched meeting house near my studio in the small pre-famine village of Cill Rialaig is full of nostalgic items of old. Found this beautiful traditional farm house kettle down by the large open fire place.

Hope you like this piece.
-Richard

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

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