Robert Bottom: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Robert Bottom was born in Cambridge, England in 1944. He trained in Fine Arts at Canterbury College of Art and in film making at Newport.

From 1975 to 1995 Robert Bottom was Head of Art at Campbell College, Belfast. After this he took up a full time career in contemporary painting. The Robert Bottom artist studio is in Northern Ireland where much of Robert Bottom modern art is carefully created and produced.

Robert Bottom paintings feature landscapes and seascapes inspired by locations such as Malta, Jordan, Turkey and Scilly Isles. In his contemporary paintings Robert Bottom tries to capture an atmosphere and reaction of places he has visited. For Bottom it is an attempt to get at the essence of things, something like the Artists of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, whose imagery was concerned with light, feeling, movement and colour.

Robert Bottom has won many painting awards. These include: Arts Council Travel Award to New York for 1992 Exhibition; The National Self Portrait Collection, Limerick, Ireland (Autumn 1996); and Arts Council Travel Award to Philadelphia for 2002 Exhibition. In 1997 Robert Bottom was appointed Artist in residence - Eastern Mediterranean, Baltic and Irish Cruises for Voyage of Discovery Cruises. This has enabled Robert to paintings on a “broader canvas” exploring some of the magic and mystery of these ancient and often remote landscapes.

Robert Bottom has exhibited extensively in solo and group art exhibitions in Belfast, Dublin, Sligo, Cumbria, New York and Pennsylvania.

Robert Bottom contemporary paintings are in public art collections including: Allied Irish Bank, Europa Hotel Belfast, Belfast City Council, and Ulster Bank Belfast. In addition his paintings are also in many private British art collections and in Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, America and Australia.

Robert Bottom contemporary art is regularly exhibited at Red Rag Irish Art Gallery, and Robert Bottom art can also be found at other leading Irish Art Galleries plus a number of British Art Galleries

Val Byrne FRIAI: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Val Byrne was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1936 . He studied Art and Architecture at University College Dubin (UCD) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

After a short spell working in London Val Byrne returned to Dublin and established a partnership with another architect. By the early 70's the business had grown into one of the larger practices in Dublin and was carrying out major projects throughout Ireland, Africa and the Middle East. In 1985 Val was awarded and made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (FRIAI).

In the late 1980's Val retired from his Architect practice and returned full time to his love of painting. Val Byrne has painted all of his life winning his first major national art competition in Ireland in his teens. Because of his architectural background Val has a particular interest in the urban landscape of Ireland. Most of Byrne's contemporary paintings record Irish scenes of the 20th and 21st Century with an emphasis on harbours and boats and a mixture of domestic and residential buildings.

Val Byrne contemporary paintings include the bright colours of the painted buildings which are nowadays very characteristic of the towns, villages and harbours around Ireland. Val has always sought to include in his paintings a degree of quirkyness and the absurd. As he says: "If there is wobbly leaning lamppost with straggling wires in the scene, I leave it in”, but he also has a developing interest in his first love - Cubism. Today he is probably the only Irish artist working with a Cubist approach to Irish images.

Today Val Byrne paintings are held in private and corporate art collections throughout the world including: Mary McAleese, President of Ireland; Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights; Jean Kennedy Smith, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and several Irish Embassies in Europe, USA, Africa, Asia. In 2004 Val Byrne completed six large paintings for the Irish Ambassador's new residence in Canberra, Australia. Val's paintings have also often featured in publications most notably Forty paintings were commissioned for the book " Bray and North Wicklow" published in 2004 and his paintings of the 75th Anniversary of the Irish Navy are included in " A Maritime history of Cork"

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Val Byrne has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries including the Royal Hibernian Academy. Every painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Val Byrne artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Irish Contemporary artist: George Callaghan

George Callaghan was born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland in 1941. George left school at 15 to work at Nicholson and Bass as an apprentice Commercial Artist. A year later he commenced studying Art at the Belfast College of Art on a Scholarship.

After studing at Belfast College of Art George started work in Dublin as a designer. Callaghan then left for London before continuing this career for a number of years working in Australia for a number of leading advertising agencies as an Art Director. At the age of 32 he then moved to the Australian Island State of Tasmania where he has lived for the last 27 years.

The move to Tasmania prompted a big change in Callaghan's career. He set up a studio, which he still maintains today, and also starting to make musical instruments – becoming an accomplished harp player. He now enjoys the reputation of being Australia's leading Harp maker and a leading exponent of the Celtic Harp. Recordings of his harp music include two compact discs, 'Traditional Airs', and 'Rhyme and Reason' along with several cassettes. However, it is Callaghan's paintings that have created consistent interest over the years. His paintings whether in Acrylic, Oil or Pastel all exude a certain quirkiness and narrative with his native Northern Ireland roots very evident.

Today George Callaghan spends three months of every year in Ireland and Britain in order to explore his roots in art and music.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery George Callaghan has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and many galleries overseas. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the George Callaghan artist studio and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

Paul Christopher Flynn: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Paul Christopher Flynn was born in Dublin in 1963. After studying at the NCAD, Paul moved to the United States in 1986, remaining there for seventeen years. In 2003, Flynn returned to Ireland and a chance encounter with one of the artists at the Peoples’ Art Exhibition in Dublin convinced him to resume painting after a twenty year lapse.

Paul became a full time artist in 2005. Since then he has had a number of successes and his work is now held in various private and corporate art collections.

Paul Christopher Flynn’s current paintings look to convey the landscape in a way which reduces it to an essence of form and tone. His minimal use of colour evoke the earliest art, such as the cave paintings in Lascaux, but the quality of light in his paintings leave the viewer in little doubt that Flynn’s art is of the highest contemporary standard.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Paul Christopher Flynn has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and Internationally. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Paul Christopher Flynn artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Fran McCann: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Fran McCann was born in Belfast in 1945. Fran displayed a remarkable talent for drawing from an early age, but received little art education until he met the renowned artist - John Luke. Luke took Fran under his wing and helped to establish him as an outstanding artist in his own right.

Fran McCann contemporary paintings have been influenced by artists such as Salvador Dali, Picasso, Van Gough, Louis le Broche. Other strong influences on McCann have been musicians Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Myles Davis, John Coultrane and Phil Linnott.

Fran McCann is constantly experimenting. But McCann has established a highly personal and recognisable style. His paintings display energy and passion whether they have been produced in pastels, oils or watercolours.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Fran McCann has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and Internationally. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Fran McCann artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Padraig McCaul: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Padraig McCaul was born in Dublin in 1963. He is a a self taught artist who works primarily in oils, using brushes and palette knives in strong, sweeping lines. McCaul's composition and form combine with vibrant, primary colours and all come together in capturing a vision of the Irish landscape

Like many other Irish artists before him Padrag McCaul has been held spellbound by the beauty of the west of Ireland. He believes there is a special energy deeply rooted in the landscape of the west, which he captures in his contemporary paintings.

A number of Irish artists have influenced Padraig McCaul's paintings. They include: the Irish landscape paintings of Paul Henry and Roderick O’Connor, as well contemporary artists such as Donald Teskey. A love of strong, vibrant colours has been inspired by artists such as Norah McGuinness and French artist Claude Idlas.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Padraig McCaul has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and Internationally. Each painting at Red Rag Gallery is sourced from the Padraig McCaul artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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John Morris: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

John Morris was born in Dublin in 1958. He started painting in 1997. Although primarily self taught John did initially take painting lessons from Brian Quinn and then later with Trevor Geoghegan.

John Morris says: “ My paintings are about light and the effect light has on subjects such as figures, water and landscapes. I make quick sketches in pencil, charcoal or oil. These sketches along with photographs make up a visual diary which I use as reference material for my paintings.”

John Morris love for the Irish landscape with its constantly changing light and atmosphere is very evident in his paintings. His paintings display a strong and confident use of brush strokes which successfully capture a sense of time and place.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery John Morris has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the John Morris artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Cormac O'Leary: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Cormac O'Leary was born in Cork city, Ireland in 1969. Having completed his art studies in Co. Sligo, Cormac O’Leary moved to Barcelona, Spain. While there he reguarly visited the Picasso Art Museum, the Joan Miro Foundation, The Antoni Tapies Foundation and the famous Gaudi buildings. On returning to Ireland Cormac joined other local artists and set up group art studios. Cormac began to exhibit his paintings locally and nationally, and also published art reviews and illustrations in various outlets, including Arts West magazine, Circa, and the Sculpture Society of Ireland newsletter.

Cormac O’Leary has won several awards for his contemporary paintings and has exhibited regularly in London and America. Today Cormac is represented in many national and international art collections.

Cormac O’Leary is an artist who produces paintings mainly in oils and acrylics. He is much influenced by his immediate environment, by the dramatic Irish landscape, but also by figurative and abstract images

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Cormac O’Leary has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Cormac O’Leary artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Mary Pickering: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Mary Pickering was born in Dublin, Ireland. She is a self taught artist who began her career working at hand painting silk and lace clothes. From this Mary has developed a very distinctive style of contemporary painting.

The development of Mary Pickering’s art has progressed over the years as Mary experimented and mastered a variety of mediums including water colours, pastels and oils. Today she is focused on paintings using Acrylic and silk. The natural sheen of silk highlights the sense of shimmering movement which is a trademark for her contemporary paintings.

Mary Pickering has a highly personal style and technique. She creates a sense of movement and atmosphere by skilful use of colour and shape which is evident in many of her contemporary paintings. Mary Pickering specialises in paintings of Figures. Typically her contemporary paintings are busy with crowds of people, swirling breezes and often a sense of fun. By combining traditional subjects and modern vibrant colours Mary has created strong demand for her paintings.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Mary Pickering has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries including the Royal Hibernian Academy and Internationally. Today her paintings can be found in art galleries, corporate, public and private collections in Ireland and around the world. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Mary Pickering artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Robert Ryan: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Robert Ryan was born in Limerick in 1964. He graduated from Limerick School of Art & Design in 1987. After that Robert worked in London and Copenhagen before returning to Ireland in 1994.

Robert Ryan contemporary paintings combine a strong sense of imagination and atmosphere. Talking about his paintings Ryan says: “I work at night, I work 'til dawn. I find the solitude in the art work and there are no distractions at night. I don't work from life, I work from my imagination. The execution of a painting may only take a couple of weeks but coming up with the concept could take an awful lot longer. Each painting has a parent and a child, they are all chain reactions”.

Robert Ryan paintings depict a universal landscape where generic creatures (as if in limbo) wander in search of sanctuary like lost souls.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Robert Ryan has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and Internationally. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Robert Ryan artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Brian Smyth: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Brian Smyth was born in 1967. He studied art at the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, graduating in 1995 with an honours degree in Art & Design. . Although Brian specialised in painting at college he also studied other various art subjects including multi-media, print, video and photography.

Brian Smyth paintings capture the very essence of his subjects. He is equally successful in his treatment of portraits, crowd scenes or café society. Smyth is a master in creating a sense of time and place in his paintings and leaves the viewer with an enduring and distant image on which to contemplate.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Brian Smyth has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries and Internationally. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Brian Smyth artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

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Hazel Walker: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Hazel Walker was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1963. She studied at the Edinburgh College of Art graduating in 1985 with a BA (Hons) and then later at Wimbledon School of Art.

Hazel Walker moved to Ireland in 1993. Her paintings communicate a sense of calmness and have a timeless quality. Hazel’s landscapes often evoke feelings of desolation and loss. Her paintings display an interesting sense of colour with a distinctive softening effect. To achieve this Walker creates a thinly painted surface marked with graphite and steel wool. Sometimes Hazel applies a surge of colour as a vibrant ground underneath the surface of the painting but this rarely discloses itself. Much lies buried and the painting evolves over time as she obliterates and reclaims the surface.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Hazel Walker has exhibited at other leading Irish Art Galleries. Her paintings have also been shown in Scottish Art Galleries and galleries in Finland and the USA. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Hazel Walker artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.

For more information or to buy Hazel Walker contemporary paintings:

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Lawrie Williamson: Irish contemporary art, artist and paintings

Laurie Williamson was born in 1932. Although born in Scotland,Lawrie spent his early formative years in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. He now lives in Ireland

Lawrie Williamson studied art at Beaux-Arts Paris with Arthur Spooner and also sketched with LS Lowry.

Laurie is a member of the RBSA and has won several art awards during his career. These include: twice winner of the Stanley Grimm Prize Cornellison Prize as well as the Cornellison Prize at the ROI. Williamson has also won the Canson prize at the RBSA.

Much of Laurie Williamson’s paintings recall memories of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. His paintings contain a combination of rich texture, light and shade creating very atmospheric scenes whether they be of beaches, landscapes or a pub interior.

In addition to Red Rag Irish Art Gallery Laurie Williamson has exhibited at other leading Irish and British Art Galleries. Each painting at Red Rag is sourced from the Lawrie Williamson artist studio in Ireland and like all Red Rag Irish art and Contemporary art it can be shipped worldwide.