Donna McGee Art Studio - Artist Statement

Artist Statement

Welcome to my Artistic Journey

Hi there!

I’m Donna McGee, a visual artist based in Dublin, and I’m delighted to share my passion for capturing the timeless beauty of the Irish landscape with you. For over 20 years, I’ve been immersing myself in the magic of nature, seeking out the extraordinary within the ordinary and expressing it through my art.

The Irish landscape has always been my centre of inspiration. Captivated by the play of light on the scenery, allows me to infuse my paintings with a luxurious blend of photo-realism, abstraction, ethereal elements, and  surrealism. I have a  mission to cultivate a sense of unity by capturing the sheer delight found in life’s simple moments, transcending the barriers that connect us all.  I am drawn to the allure of brilliant sunsets, stormy skies contrasted against the rhythmic force of the ocean. I am spoilt for choice with Irelands’ stunning scenery – the Wild Atlantic Way – 1,600 miles of rugged coastal beauty.  Also, Ireland’s Ancient East,  the land of myths and legends, and the birthplace of Irish culture. 

I love creating big, bold statement landscape and abstract paintings that create impact and I’m excited to say that I can tailor these creations to suit your preferences. Additionally, I often explore smaller paintings with focused themes to bring out specific aspects of the Irish landscape’s beauty.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have my studio close to the Dublin mountains, giving me quick access to nature’s wonders. I take photographs of the scenery and later create harmonious compositions in my studio. Many of my artworks have found their way into collections around the world, bringing joy to their owners, hence,  I am deeply honoured to continue pursuing my passion – painting.

Artist Process Unveiled

I have a deep affinity for working with oils, drawn to their lush and vibrant qualities. I find that using a palette knife allows me to achieve tactile layers of texture that add depth to my artworks. The process involves building up many layers, making each painting a labour of love, as it takes time due to the drying process. My style leans towards intuition rather than strict analysis, as I’ve honed my craft through self-teaching.

Painting en Plein Air - Embracing Nature's Challenges

plein air painting donna mcgee

When the weather permits, I love painting outdoors, en plein air. It can be an exhilarating experience to capture the ever-changing light amidst the rapid movements of nature. From the wind playfully taking my canvas to the unpredictable shifts of weather, every painting session is an adventure. I cherish opportunities like the annual plein air painting festival in Wexford Art in the Open and the Dublin Plein Air Festival, where fellow artists and I come together to capture the beauty of our surroundings. This direct engagement with the environment further deepens my connection to the landscapes that I seek to interpret.

Sometimes I will be just as happy to paint outdoors in my garden when the sun shines.

Nurturing Creativity in schools

I am also a passionate educator and wish to share my love of learning. Actively participating  in arts-in-residence programmes with local schools such as the BLAST initiative (bringing live art to students and teachers) aiming to nurture creativity and critical teaching among young people. Further demonstrated with the Teacher Artist Partnership enhancing arts in education in Irish Primary Schools. 

Get in Touch

If any of the paintings on this website have caught your eye or if you’re interested in a commissioned piece, please feel free to get in touch. I would love to hear from you and discuss your requirements. 

Thank You For Being A Part Of My Artistic Journey

Your interest and support mean the world to me. Thank you for visiting my website and joining me in celebrating the beauty of the Irish landscape through art. Let’s stay connected and continue this creative journey together!

Donna McGee Artist Statement

"Ag treascnaíocht ón ghnáth, ceiliúraim mo phéintéireacht an neamhghnáthach in Éirinn."

Transcending the ordinary, my paintings celebrate Ireland’s extraordinary.

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