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 made the decision to instead, follow her childhood passion and love of painting.  As a result, she set up an art studio at her home.

Consequently, she became fully immersed in “the dream”.  Creating atmospheric and affordable art of her much loved Irish landscape for all to enjoy.  This became her number one objective.

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.   Consequently, she was a founder member of a local arts group and 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 from 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. Capturing light contrasted against the dynamic force of the ocean draws an emotional response.  It creates a spiritual connection with nature.

Weather permitting, she paints outdoors (plein air) and  is a regular visitor to Europe’s largest 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 atmosphere, thereby, the subject matter is transformed rather than  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.