About the Artist

Background

Following a career in  Financial Services, Dublin born artist Donna McGee decided to pursue her lifelong passion  in the creative process and develop her artwork. 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 engaged  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 and was involved in providing exhibitions and marketing opportunities at a community level over a number of years.

Inspiration

Largely self-taught she has 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.  Observing and 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, vibrant sunsets and observing the ever-changing light. It creates an emotional response  and a spiritual connections 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, more 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.