About the Artist

Background

Dublin born artist Donna McGee  with a background in financial services, always had a passion to paint.

Juggling a hectic schedule with  family commitments and a busy work life, she arrived at the decision  to pursue her lifelong passion  in the creative process and develop her artwork instead. Consequently, she set up a studio at her home and followed her dream!

Her business background coupled with her passion for the arts, extended to working in the voluntary sector.  She became very involved in the provision of adult education courses at a local community level.   As a result, she was a founder member of a local arts group.  She was instrumental in providing opportunities, exhibitions and marketing at a community level over a number of years.

Inspiration

Largely self-taught she  developed a unique style. She encompasses a diverse range of influences arising out of her love of  travel, not least to  the spectacular west coast of Ireland.  Capturing the restless elemental forces of this landscape and celebrating its timeless beauty is central to her work.

She is drawn to the allure of stormy skies and vibrant sunsets. Observing the light contrasted against the dynamic force of the ocean draws an emotional response for her and creates a spiritual connection with nature.

Weather permitting, she paints outdoors (plein air) and  is a regular visitor to Europe’s largest annual open air painting festival in Wexford  Art in the Open.

Process

Donna’s   paintings have an ethereal feel, certainly evident in her abstract work.  She incorporates surrealist  elements to create greater mood and atmosphere, thereby, her interpretation of the subject matter is transformed rather than  merely recorded.

Her preferred medium is oils.  The use of palette knives allow for the creation of rich texture resulting in a dynamic and raw energy.

With  two very successful Dublin solo exhibitions, she participates in a number of other group exhibitions throughout Ireland.

She continues to exhibit at Art Source, Ireland’s premier Art Fair, Ideal Homes and House Event   with great success.   Her paintings are  represented by The Blaithin de Sachy Art Gallery  in Clifden, Co. Galway among other venues and are  found in many collections both in Ireland and abroad.