Capturing moments

Hello and happy 2024!

I’m delighted to be able to show you this recent commission completed just in time as a surprise Christmas present and now happily in it’s new home!

This special commission kept me very busy with many layers of development along the way.

I love working to capture a moment in time and hold it still in paint

Working from photo reference, I begin with an initial loose sketch, and then gradually block in colours, building each layer with more information, before refining details until it looks and feels ‘finished’. Knowing when it is ‘finished’ can be an art in itself, something I am learning with each piece I make, but I just love working to capture a moment in time and hold it still in paint.

Once complete, dry and varnished, it then headed off to my framer for the final finishing touch, after which it was packaged in many layers of protection and made its journey safely across to the UK to its new home.

I hope you like the finished result as much as I enjoyed making it!

I’m really looking forward to working through my Commissions waiting list now. If you’d like to be added to it please message me, or sign up to my mailing list to be first to hear of upcoming availability!

For the love of España

So how does a British woman living in Ireland find herself obsessively painting images of Spain, I hear you ask?!

Well, my ‘Recuerdos’ (Memories) collection grew from an early and enduring love of this country. When I was younger, I was very fortunate to experience wonderful family holidays in Spain and it’s islands, which instilled something in me right there and then. It’s hard to even put it into words, there was just something about the warmth of the sun, the brightness of the light, the sound of the language… it well and truly got into me in a way I felt but couldn’t then articulate. I used to ask locals we met to teach me a few Spanish words which I’d go off and practise!

Growing up in the UK, at my secondary school Spanish was not a language option offered, so in my late teens I took evening classes with an amazing teacher Alejandra, originally from Mexico. A few years later during a gap year in my early twenties travelling many places including South America, I spent three incredible months living with a wonderful family in Peru, high up in the Andes where I was immersed in fast-track learning of more of the language I’d fallen in love with. I hold so many fond memories of this experience and the gorgeous people met along the way, and hope to be able to re-visit some day.

Fast forward a few more years, when my husband and I first met we discovered that this love of Spanish language and culture was something we both had in common and we dreamt of spending some ‘real life’ time in Spain, getting to know the place and it’s people in a deeper way. When an opportunity came through his work in 2014 we jumped at the chance, and along with our two young children of 2 and 4yrs, we packed up and spent a year living in the very south of Andalucia in a wonderful town called El Puerto de Santa Maria, near Cadiz. It is fair to say this experience changed our lives.

This place was the real deal. Not touristy, simply a normal town full of character and charm, where Spanish people lived and worked and where real life happened. The perfect place to immerse ourselves. We rented an apartment in the centre of the old town, in a wonderfully restored old building where our very lovely landlords lived in the apartment upstairs and helped us so much to settle in. The best part was they didn’t speak English, so we had to improve our Spanish fast. Our 4yr old started at the local primary school, and having gone in with no Spanish at all, was so warmly welcomed by all the teachers and children and soon absorbing this new language she was surrounded by.

I discovered the Academia de Bellas Artes (Academy of Fine Arts) in the town and signed myself up to an oil painting class with an amazing teacher Luis. Previous to this family adventure I’d spent 15yrs working as a graphic designer, which I’d enjoyed immensely but always with a background dream of some day pursuing professionally my true passion of painting. The art classes in El Puerto suddenly got me painting more than I had in years, and this buzz along with a large push of encouragement from my better half, eventually became the catalyst for deciding to take my art seriously and go for it! I’m sure as the foreigner with patchy Spanish in the class, I provided some entertainment for my arty classmates too! We held an end of term exhibition at the town hall, and I was delighted to be given the year’s Distinction award.

After our amazing year living in Spain, full of so many incredible experiences and wonderful friends made… the pull of family and Ireland brought us back to settling in Dublin, but with Spain holding a forever piece of our hearts. We love to go back and visit when we can, meeting up with friends from our time there and soaking it all up again. I am still obsessed with the colours and culture of this magical place. The feeling of discovery, wandering old historical districts through tiny narrow streets, with bustling markets and festivals.

I am still obsessed with the colours and culture of this magical place.

While Ireland is now very much home, I love painting memories of this sun drenched part of our continent, and thus my ‘Recuerdos’ collection of work was born, and continues today. The pieces keep me going between trips, until I can get back there again and I hope they evoke similar magical memories for many others too.

Artist workspaces in the making!

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. at the official launch of the ‘Space to Create’ initiative 22nd June 2023.

Some exciting news from here… yesterday I was delighted to attend the official launch of a fantastic new initiative in our city called ‘Space to Create’.

The initiative is a €9m capital works programme from Dublin City Council Arts Office, Department of Culture and Arts and a private donor, whereby the council are working to refurbish buildings around the city and turn them into much needed artist workspaces, one of which I am thrilled to have been selected for!

This project will see 60 new artist workspaces open up across four sites in Dublin city over the next couple of years, where artists will have an affordable, local space to go, to focus professionally on their work. Last year through a process of open call, shortlisting and interviews, artists were awarded studio spaces in these upcoming sites, covering a wide range of disciplines from visual arts, dance, performance, literature and design.

For me personally, to have an external studio to go to and be able to fully focus on my work will be a game changer, and to be part of a vibrant creative community of artists is so exciting for the possibilities it could bring.

I will of course update whenever I have any further news on this, so if you’d like to subscribe to my ‘Studio News’ you’ll be first to hear more!

Palm trees and eateries

Hi there and a big happy new year to you, let’s hope 2022 proves to be a more positive year for all. I haven’t posted in a long while, so figured it was time for an update from the studio! Having said that, with the continuing juggles of the pandemic, studio-time here has been a challenge to say the least. But I’m delighted to be able to show you this latest large statement piece which kept me busy during 2021. Titled ‘Por la tarde’ (meaning ‘In the afternoon’) this piece is an original oil painting 100x70cm canvas size, which happily went to its new home with a fabulous collector at the end of 2021.

‘Por la tarde’ 100x70cm original oil painting on canvas. SOLD.

The painting is part of my ‘Recuerdos’ (Memories) collection, an ongoing series inspired by time spent with my family in Spain over the years. This particular scene is of one of our favourite places for lunch, a bustling street in the wonderful city of Cadiz full of palm trees, eateries and street life. I was drawn to the amount going on in this image, so many points of interest, like a cultural feast for the eyes. Hope you enjoy it too!

The lovely new owner very kindly sent me this photo of it on the wall in it’s new home. I love how it looks there with the surrounding colours and patterns all working so well together.

And so moving onto the new year, and my first bit of painting is creating three mini originals to donate to the wonderful Incognito fundraiser exhibition for Jack & Jill Foundation. The exhibition sale is due to happen in April, so I’ll keep you updated on that nearer the time. It’ll be my fourth year contributing, it’s always such a great one to be part of.

After that my plan is to build a full new collection of works, with the aim of exhibiting in real life, covid-allowing! I really miss the live shows, meeting everyone face to face and having the chats. Fingers crossed for a return to more real life art shows from here on!

In the meantime, thanks for following, keep well and keep creative.

Sharon

Hello Spring!

Well hello and how is everyone doing? And a big ‘Hello to Spring!’ What a joy to see the flowers opening up, the blue skies and milder weather really lifting the spirits like the tonic we all need right now. We were lucky enough to inherit this beautiful magnolia tree in our garden and I always feel it is officially spring when it fully opens up like now!

With the continuing pandemic situation and all the challenges it brings, it has been pretty hard to get much studio time for the first part of this year! Homeschooling at the kitchen table, husband working from home in next room, and the mad juggling of everything else in between. But with the return of schools now (fingers crossed they stay open) I’m really looking forward to getting more painting time again and getting back into the flow of things.

So a little round-up of the end of 2020, where the run up to Christmas was thankfully busy for me, with new and regular collectors buying prints and original pieces of art, their support for which I am so grateful. I’m very excited to share with you the below piece titled ‘All is quiet’, original oil painting 50x70cm on canvas, which was purchased by a fabulous collector as an extra special Christmas gift. The painting was a new work completed last year as part of my ongoing ‘Recuerdos’ (Memories) collection and was inspired by our trip to Spain earlier in the year. Happily lost in a maze of these winding, narrow streets in Sevilla where the morning light tries to sneak into the still quiet streets of the city not long awake.

‘All is quiet’ 50x70cm original oil painting on canvas. SOLD.

Despite not having much studio time of late, ideas for new works have been percolating away in my head, almost bursting to get out. My plan for this year is to build further on my Recuerdos collection towards a show whether in person or online.

I’m also delighted to have several commissions lined up and look forward to working directly with clients again on creating their own special piece of art.

So I’ll be back again soon with another update from the studio – in the meantime, take care and keep creative!

Sharon

Portraits for HSE Heroes

My portrait of Grace for the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ initiative

2020 - What a strange year to say the least! Who could have thought the entire globe would be brought to a standstill while we all collectively face the challenges of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Adjusting to different ways of doing things has become the new normal for everyone and after a challenging seven months for all, with the schools now re-opened, a very welcome routine and structure has returned despite the ongoing situation.

But for workers in the healthcare industry, things have been and continue to be extremely challenging. I think I speak for many when I say I feel a huge debt of gratitude to the healthcare workers who have stepped up and ensured this vital service is there for those that need it. I often feel as a society we need far more recognition of these people and the work they do day in, day out which so often goes unseen. So when I heard about the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ art initiative, I was delighted to get involved.

The idea came from British artist Tom Croft, who decided it would be really great if we could create a virtual exhibition of portraits to celebrate and highlight the vital work of our healthcare workers at this time. He posted on Instagram offering a free portrait to the first NHS healthcare worker that contacted him or was nominated, and invited other artists to do the same. Huge numbers of artists got involved. Across the pond here Irish artist Bernadette Doolan saw this initiative and brought it to Ireland to celebrate our HSE workers in the same way. Many Irish artists have since joined the movement and it’s been fantastic to see the portraits so far.

A few of my favourites are shown below and you can view the growing virtual gallery at https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/portraitsforhseheroes/

There are some incredible paintings and I love how when seen together, the portraits really show the human side to the work going on behind the scenes and behind the masks. The people shown themselves and the many others they represent.

Some of my favourites from the online gallery. ARTIST CREDITS: Mike Smith, Snugbat, Sarah Harvey, Angels of the Nation, Darren Butcher, Kate Bedell, Gary McShane, Lynn Kennedy, Roshn Art, Katrina Farrell, Sophie Peanut, Elaine Nuttall, Steve Bradbury, Sarah Harding, Veronica Gomez de Dios, Brid Fanning, Gary McShane, Benjamin White.

I posted my offer of a free portrait and very quickly received the nomination of Grace. Alongside being a busy mum of three, and following many years working as midwife in Holles Street, Grace is currently working as practice nurse in a GP surgery, taking bloods, dressing wounds, vaccinating babies and generally helping keep patients safe and healthy in their community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I will treasure my portrait as a reminder of these strange times”

— Grace, Practice Nurse, GP surgery (during covid-19 pandemic)

I enjoyed working on Graces’ portrait so much, I decided to do one more. My second nomination was for Austin O’Carroll. Partner to Dorothy (a fine artist) and father of 2 children emerging from their teenage years, Austin has been both working as a GP in a homeless clinic and as Clinical Lead for the Covid Homeless Response. “We had an amazing response in the homeless sector, from cleaners to keyworkers to administrative staff and managers in the hostels, homeless housing and health charities, Dublin City Council and the HSE, which resulted in very few infections and deaths in the homeless population. Even though it was incredibly hard work, it was also incredibly inspiring to see such a range of Irish and non-Irish, men and women so dedicated to keeping their clients safe.”⁠

My portrait of Austin for the ‘Portraits for HSE Heroes’ initiative

Dr Austin O’Carroll receiving his portrait gift as part of the Portraits for HSE Heroes initiative.

“I love my portrait and it provides daily inspiration for doctor, patient conversations”

— Austin O'Carroll, GP and Clinical Lead, Covid Homeless Response (during Covid-19 pandemic)

The portraits were painted in oils and gifted to Grace and Austin.

To Grace, Austin and the many many HSE healthcare workers across Ireland that we all depend on… we thank you all for your vital contribution at this challenging time.

Sharon

Inside Out Home Show 2020

Original oil painting ‘Flow’, donated to the InsideOut art auction.

InsideOut Virtual Home Show raising funds for the Coombe Maternity Hospital, Dublin

I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the InsideOut virtual home, garden & lifestyle show in July. The show which was the brainchild of award-winning designer Gwen Kenny of Divine Design and Adele Roche, Colour & Design Consultant, was held online in July 2020 across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

A celebration of homes, gardens and life in general, the event included interviews and consultations with well-known architects, interior and garden designers along with a fabulous Art Auction, all raising much needed funds for the charity Friends of the Coombe.

All of the pieces in the art auction were donated by the artists and my contribution was this original oil painting titled ‘Flow’. I was delighted to be able to offer something to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Well done again to the organisers for such a fabulous event.

Back soon for more arty chats,

Sharon

And then Coronavirus changed everything

So there we all were, making our way through the start of 2020. I spent some time initially working on the admin side of my business, looking at the numbers, revamping my website, planning for the year ahead, excited about opportunities to come.

After moving my studio to its new downstairs location, it soon became clear I needed to free up some space, so I decided to hold my first ever online Studio Sale with originals and prints reduced at great prices. I was delighted to see pieces finding new homes to go to, like the original acrylic study above and limited edition prints below – huge thanks to all buyers and email subscribers!

Great to see some more of these prints finding new walls to live on!

AND THEN… all of a sudden… EVERYTHING CHANGED

The Coronavirus Covid-19 which had already begun spreading its way around the world, inevitably made its way to our little island here in Ireland.

And almost overnight our versions of ‘normal life’ changed dramatically and now here we all are trying to adjust to a ‘new normal’ and make new daily routines around our strange and new found 'social distanced’ lives. Like many other countries, all schools and non essential businesses in Ireland are closed, and those able to are now working from home. With the kids off school however, ‘working from home’ is much easier said than done! And like so many people across the globe right now, my husband and I are now trying to find a new routine of sorts to juggle the mix of his work, my work and the kids school work… all from home, all in each others way – it’s going to take a lot of trial and error but we’re doing our best!

St Patricks Day 2020

Some of my girls St Patrick’s artwork.

In the middle of all this fell St.Patrick’s Day, which with all parades and events cancelled was an unusual one to say the least! Normally we’d get our novelty Irish gear on and head into town with the kids for the Dublin parade, along with the crowds of green dressed people from all over.

It felt really strange not being able to do that this year, but I was really lifted to see how people made the best of the situation, posting their own ‘virtual parades’ online and decorating front windows of houses with children’s artwork for others to enjoy as they went for their ‘social distanced walk’ around their area. Here’s me with my Irish flag face-painted on for the craic!

Use creativity

In these strange and challenging times, there’s a huge need for us all to find ways to keep each other positive. Art and creativity can be a wonderful way to do this and I’ve been trying to make time for this wherever possible. Kids especially love doing creative things like painting, drawing, playdoh, crafts etc. Getting time for my own painting is a challenge, but I’ve been working away gradually on my latest original which is almost there now and I’ll be sharing first in my Spring email newsletter going out soon – for a sneak preview of my latest work sign up below!

Some other resources I have found helpful so far include:

• PE with Joe: My brother put me on to this and it’s been a huge hit with my kids. Free PE classes for kids live on YouTube at 9am every weekday – great way to get everyone moving and energised in the morning!

• Draw with Rob: My friend showed me this one and my girls have loved doing it. Follow along step by step drawing of some of children’s illustrator Rob Biddulph’s favourite characters.

• Isolation Art School: a great initiative on Instagram where amazing artists are sharing art tips and lessons to try at home.

I’m going to add to this list with any other things I find helpful in our quarantined life here.

So for now… good luck everyone and stay safe!

Chat soon,

Sharon

Inspiration around every corner

In February we took a family trip to Andalucia in Spain, in particular the town of El Puerto de Santa Maria where we spent a year living a while back, and Seville, our favourite Spanish city.

It feels like a lifetime ago already, but what a treat it was to be back, catching up with friends and soaking up all that is amazing about this special corner of the world.

The colours, the patterns, the culture! I am obsessed with the tiny narrow streets and gorgeous Spanish light.

Inspired by this trip, I have begun a new collection of work, and have three on the go at the moment. I love working on a few at a time and building them up from initial sketches to the varying colours in the light and shadows. Here’s a preview of their early progress, hope you like them so far.

I’m enjoying dreaming of walking down streets like these again.

Look forward to updating you again soon when these are finished and the next ones underway.

If this burst of colour has helped brighten your day, please forward to a fellow art lover!

Back soon for more arty chats,

Sharon

2020 – New year, new space!

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New studio space ready to go!

Happy new year!

January is such a great time for reflecting, organising, planning. The end of last year was so busy with my first Art Source RDS exhibition (see separate blog post all about that!) and Christmas sales, all of which I am so grateful for. But after so much busy-ness, I always then love the freshness of a new year and the down time to think and sort and look ahead.

Over the holiday break my little studio which was in the box room of our home, got converted into our youngest’s bedroom, all cute and colourful now. So I gathered all my arty belongings and moved my studio downstairs to its new spot in the front room. With the help of a few shelves and nails for hanging work, I’ve figured out the best way to use the space and am all set now. Looks a bit bare at the mo, as you can see, so can’t wait to start working on a new collection. Also shown here is my totally amazing new daylight lamp which I am completely in love with, not actually sure how I survived without one of these before!

As well as re-locating my studio I’ve also been spending January reviewing and planning for the year ahead, so I’m now feeling ready and full of ideas and will be back to you with an update on new work as it happens. In the meantime there are just these last four original pieces remaining from my latest collection, looking for some lovely homes to go to!

Thanks for following. Here’s to 2020!

Sharon

Art Source RDS, Dublin 2019

Exhibiting at Ireland’s largest art fair.

What an experience!

My first time exhibiting at Art Source RDS, Dublin was an amazing experience and huge success, thanks to all the wonderful people who came and visited, chatted and bought pieces of art to take away with them. Thank you so much, I am so grateful! A few pics here from the event… can’t wait to do it all again next year!

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Art Source RDS, Dublin 2019.

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