"Self Portrait"
Painted from life, this self-portrait is part of an ongoing series - I have completed at least one painted self-portrait each year since I was in my early teens. The series records some of the physical and mental processes of aging and my changing technical abilities and artistic inclinations.
"Three Peat Briquettes (Bord na Móna)"
The Bord na Móna peat briquette was a ubiquitous feature of Irish firesides from the early 1960's when its iconic three segmented shape was developed until 2024 when it was withdrawn from sale. The environmental impact of stripping the boglands can be brought to mind as well as issues around the development and identity of the Irish State and the positive memories of the comfort that open fires have brought.
This work was initially painted from life over the course of a week, with occasional adjustments to colours and tones made over the following months until the painting felt complete.