Still lots of finishing touches to be done, not to mention planning and organising but it’s all very exciting stuff.
The only thing to do :
Create a checklist!
How is the framer getting on with all the new work I gave him?
Check with printer – enough business cards? greeting cards?
Labels / name tags / prices ….
Layout – now that’s a big one to decide – what goes where and which paintings sit best together?
Will everything be ready on time ?
and on it goes …..
I am excited about the collection I will have at my Stand N40.
It will be an eclectic mix of paintings that I think you will like.
There will certainly be something for everyone.
Into the light 30 x 40 inches – oil on block canvas
This really is a great opportunity to get ahead of the posse as regards Christmas – shhhhh! (I am whispering here), but this IS the place to go to make your design changes for your home, or to get that unique gift for Christmas before all the madness starts.
So do stop by my stand and take time for a chat.
Remember, the show runs for four days, so come and say hello – and if you’ve missed the deadline to download free tickets, send me a message, and I will be happy to send some on to you.
Delighted to get the opportunity to appear as a featured artist at ABI – Arts Business Institute
Here is a transcript of the feature and I hope you will enjoy the read:
Painter Donna McGee shares her impressive portfolio, and shares her story of inspiration and life as a working artist.
Nature Trail 10 x 12″ Oil on Canvas
ABI: You bill yourself as an “Irish Landscape Artist” – what does this encompass?
DG:Growing up in Ireland, I have been constantly moved by our rich heritage in the arts. Whether literature or poetry, music or dance, our enduring culture has always gripped me. Never more so than the rich tapestry that painting brings to my life, and the sense of capturing the beauty that surrounds us.
The Dawning – Oil on Canvas 20 x 30″
Ireland has a coastline of almost 3,000 km. Its changeable oceanic climate provides a spectacular landscape. The mountains, low plains, rivers and lush forests provide constant inspiration.
Donna McGee Studio Shot
Magnificent sunsets, stormy skies contrast against the rhythmic force of the ocean. The ever-changing light in this natural landscape draws an emotional response and a spiritual connection with nature. All of this natural beauty features strongly in my work.
Atlantic Force – Oil on Canvas 20 x 30″
When the weather is not so inclement, I take myself off to the surrounding countryside and enjoy plein air painting. I also participate in the annual international event in the South East of Ireland Art in the Open.
My preferred medium is oils.
Between Earth and Sky – Oil on Canvas 50 x 70 cms
ABI: What has inspired you most as a painter?
DG: The restless elemental forces of this great landscape compel me to capture its magic and celebrate its timeless beauty. It is my drive and hope to stir this emotional connection in the eyes of the viewer.
As evening falls in Dun Laoghaire 50x70cms Oil on block Canvas
I am very fortunate to live at the foothills of the Dublin mountains and I can reach the ocean within a half hour from my home.
I have always enjoyed the creativity that painting unlocks in me. When my children were young, I seized every opportunity to devote myself to the arts, working in a home environment. In recent years, I enjoy the absolute pleasure of having a custom-built studio in my garden. There is nowhere better!
Calling from the West Coast 24 x 12 inches – Oil on block canvas
ABI: How do you exhibit and sell your work?
DG: I exhibit my work through various channels and continuously explore new opportunities as they arise.
My website and an active social media footprint has also proven successful for me to exhibit and sell my work. I am considering putting a shop on my website but have not as yet taken that plunge.
Breaking Dawn – Oil on Canvas 50 x 70 cms
I also participate in many group exhibitions and galleries throughout Ireland.
You can find me weekly at Merrion Square Open-Air Art Gallery usually on a Sunday in beautiful Georgian Dublin and also at the Peoples Art in the centre of Dublin city at regular intervals throughout the year. This provides a great opportunity for visitors to view the paintings but also to meet me in person and discuss the work.
Galway Hooker Boats 16×12 inches – Oil on Block Canvas
I am busy at the moment preparing for two large national shows happening this Spring time: The Ideal Homes Exhibition and House 2018 an event dedicated to high-end interior design.
The Giants Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is one of those places I had heard about, and read about so many times. It went on my list of “must-see” attractions.
The Giants Causeway was included on the World Heritage site list in November 1986.
It is said that to walk along The Giants Causeway is like a voyage back in time. There are many colour coded walking trails to guide you in order to take in the magnificent scenery and wildlife.
It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the Atlantic ocean.
Geological studies of these formations over the last 300 years have greatly contributed to the development of the earth sciences. They show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary, some 50-60 million years ago.
The dramatic sight has inspired legends of The Irish Giant Fionn mac Cumhaill striding over the sea to Scotland.
It was a pleasure to witness the majesty of The Giants Causeway and the Atlantic coastline with its unique rock formations full of intrigue and mystery.
Please like and share if you enjoyed this little insight too!
This is my latest seascape painting – an orchestra at play!
Orchestral-Skies 10 x 20″ Oil on Board
Inspired by the brilliance of colour that autumn presents – autumn leaves, pumpkins, fiery reds, yellow ochre, crimsons – the prolific deciduous climber:
The Pigeon House, also referred to as The Poolbeg Generating Station is situated on the River Liffey in Ringsend Dublin. The iconic chimneys are so-called, because of their caretaker John Pidgeon. The story began with the shipping difficulties encountered in navigating Dublin bay around the time of the late 1700’s. Construction work began to make the channel deeper and The Great South Wall, the longest of its kind in Europe was constructed.
A more permanent fort built shortly afterwards, remained in operation until 1897, when the building was sold to Dublin Corporation. They wished to build a power station to supply energy to the fast-growing city. The power station, initially coal-fired, began operation in 1903.
It was finally decommissioned in 1976. Its massive chimneys became a famous Dublin landmark and have become a favorite with many artistic interpretations.
