In January 2008 I began to capture portraits in my own painting style. My aim then and now, is to economically capture each individual with as little brushwork and fuss as possible and with agreed artistic license to be honest in my execution (warts and all!).
September 2011: 'Eoin O' Connor'

‘Calm Before The Storm’ - a sample of Eoins’ Art
Here is Eoin O’ Connor, another Artist friend of mine who also paints in a very strong and vibrant palette. Finished both sketches and painting in one quick sitting.

'Eoin O’ Connor' June 2011 NFS
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June 2011: 'George And Rita'
‘Pair of Portraits’, George and Rita Wright, artist and muse!
Early Sketches
Painted both portraits side by side and in two different palettes which I think suited each character. Pastel pinks and Yellows for Rita and Sepia tones for George (Ha, Ha, Ha!!!).

'George Wright' June 2011 'Rita Wright' June 2011
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June 2011: 'Jim Scully'
Jim Scully is a fellow artist. Jim uses a mixed media technique of pen and ink with watercolour, creating beautiful paintings that are vibrant, colourful and rich in depth and detail. He is best known for his Streetscapes, Georgian scenes and architectural renditions of many well known areas of Dublin city.
Sample of Jims Art, Trinity College, Dublin & preliminary sketches
With Portraits I can spend a lot of time at the drawing board, finding a likeness, and studying the contours, shadows and lines of the face before I begin to paint. For sight training, drawing and general discipline I find great exercise in these studies.
Working from drawing and photo I covered the Canvas board in a quick wash of colour. I then prepared a fresh palette of stronger colour and began to work in more detail, layering the paint. I Worked quite quick, finishing this portrait in a few short sittings.

'Jim Scully' June 2011
May 2011: 'Willie Redmond'
Willie Redmond is a another artist and colleague who I have worked and exhibited with over the last number of years.

'Autumn Walk', Willie Redmond
For willies Portrait I decided to borrow the colour palette of Blues, Oranges and Yellows which he uses through his popular 'Park' paintings. I forgot to photo my progression on this one!

'Willie Redmond' May 2011

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February 2009: 'Paul Flynn'
'Pals!'
In the Summer of 2008 at a group exhibition, fellow artist Paul Flynn' sat for me during a quiet moment. After some quick sketches and observations I scribbled down a reminder to paint him in profile. Later that year I was scheduled to give an Art Demonstration where I knew Paul would be attending. I made a start on his portrait the day before hoping to complete it on the night in situ. I actually finished it on the first sitting.
Preliminary sketches. Palette of Blues and Purples.
From start to finish.
'Paul Flynn' February 2009
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January 2009: 'Linda'
Introducing Linda-
After initial pencil sketches I applied some quick washes of yellow, orange and brown, a palette I had in mind for this portrait. I proceeded to break down the blocks of colour with some simple brushstrokes keeping tight to my favoured pencil sketch and photo which are pinned to my easel. As the painting developed and a likeness began to come through I applied some deeper hues. Later I began highlighting areas of importance with black and white strokes before tidying up and signing off!
'Linda' January 2009
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December 2008: 'Jack O' Connor'
Another portrait, this time a quiet gentleman I have had the pleasure of knowing over the last few years. Caught Jacks' distinctive features quite quickly and finished this painting in one short sitting however did agree to return to the Canvas and shorten his chin following an acute observation from his dear Wife.
From Pencil to Paint.
'Jack' Oct. 2008 'Jack on Blue!'
October 2008: 'Déarbhla'
Meet Déarbhla, another Artist. Started from a rough Pencil sketch following on with some quick washes and layers of acrylic.

'Déarbhla' Oct. 2008
'Say Cheese!'
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September 2008: 'Three Heads!'

Photographed above are three ('Amigos', 'Degrees', 'Stooges!!!') who graciously posed for me this month- Mick, Blánaid and Micheál respectively.
Preliminary sketches. Once happy with resemblances I move onto canvas correcting any errors with brushstrokes.
Matched a different colour palette to each personality- Mick is splattered on palette board above left.
'Mick Monaghan' Sept. 2008 'Blánaid Lynom' Sept. 2008 'Micheál' Sept. 2008
'Larry, Curly and Mo'
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May 2008: Portraits, 'Gerard Fricker'
Gerard Fricker- L'eminence Grise
Some quick sketches-
Gerry will become a familiar face over the coming months, as kindly he has agreed to model for a further two paintings (which will feature a 'Funny Little Man').
'L'eminence Grise' May 2008
'Happy Days!'
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April 2008: Portraits, 'Eugene Traynor'
I have the fortune of knowing Eugene since I was a young lad as a sports coach, mentor and great friend. At seventy-six years young he can still kick-ass! (By the way, Eugene is the one in the white shirt!).
'Eugene' April 2008
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Portraits, 'Joe Fitzpatrick'
Joe Fitzpatrick
has posed for and inspired a number of paintings over the last two years.
Joe is a well known character loved by many in Dublin City Centre. His
portrait shall be as colourful as himself!
Above are a collection of drawings and below, used in some past paintings-
'Friday Morning 3am' 'Sunny Afternoon' Sold 'Holding Up The Bar' Sold
From start to finish- 'Brother' January 2008 NFS
Joe, dressed 'down' for the occasion!
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January 2008: Portraits, 'Edward Tomkus'
Edward Tomkus
is a burley, odd (in the kindest way), larger than life character with a thick
Scottish brogue' who never fails to lift the spirits!
From start to finish-
'Edward Tomkus' January 2008 NFS
Having finished the first portrait I decided that I must capture Eds' brighter side. Again I worked quite quickly on this painting.
'Beam me up!' January 2008
The Unveiling!
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