From precise botanical detail, to lush, vibrant brushstrokes and evocative still lifes, the works of these Irish artists are sure to spark joy …
Today, in Ireland, due largely to the foundation of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists, botanical art is on the rise. In its very first year, 2014, the Society welcomed over 100 members and in its short eight-year history, it has produced many outstanding publications, including Plandaí Oidhreachta, Heritage Irish Plants (2016) and Éireannach: Celebrating Native Plants of Ireland (2018). In addition to those artists listed below, some of the Society’s most impressive artists include Mary Dillon, Shevaun Doherty, Deborah Lambkin, Siobhán M Larkin, Margareta Pertl, Yanny Petters, Susan Sex, Jane Stark, Lynn Stringer and Holly Somerville. Learn more on www.irishbotanicalartists.ie.
Kathrine Geoghegan
Opening on September 5 at City Assembly House, South William Street, Dublin 2 is Kathrine Geoghegan’s new exhibition “Bogland” which explores Ireland’s peatlands through its mysterious plants. Walking these wild places, Geoghegan discovered the myriad colours of sphagnum moss, carnivorous native plants and beautiful alien species that have found ingenious ways to survive this harsh acidic terrain. She documents them from an insect’s eye view. The exhibition is also a plea to protect and rehabilitate these wild places. “This is the culmination of over two years of work, walking and exploring bogs and fens between lockdowns, and working back in the studio. Residencies at Cill Rialaig Artist’s Retreat and at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre were very helpful with the research for this project.” The exhibition runs until September 17; www.kathrinegeoghegan.gallery.
Jean Bardon
The Dublin-based artist studied at Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design before living and working in Amsterdam where she developed an interest in printmaking. She is a member of Graphic Studio Dublin and says of her work: “The main influences on my work are botanical art and the art of Japan and the Islamic world. They all share a certain formality, balance, elegance and a respect and connection with the natural world. I have always had a love of pattern, finding the rhythm and repetition soothing. The use of gold leaf, as seen in Japanese folding screens or paintings of the early Renaissance, is a distinguishing feature of my work. The radiance of the gold leaf helps me to create works which communicate a sense of tranquillity to the spectator.” See more at www.sofinearteditions.com and www.solomonfineart.ie.
Gráinne Cuffe
Gráinne Cuffe specialises in intricate studies of plants, many of them on a very large scale, with a strong emphasis on their colours. Dublin-born Cuffe graduated in Fine Art from the Institute of Art and Design, Dun Laoghaire, in 1979. Her post graduate training was in etching and lithography at both Graphic Studio Dublin and Black Church Print Studio Dublin; www.sofinearteditions.com.
Lucy Doyle
The Wicklow-based artist says, “My first love was and still is dahlias: my first dahlias were grown in pots around the house. One year a fierce wind blew a whole lot of red dahlias over and so I painted them, and that was it, I never looked back. They have such pure, clean, glowing colours, they can grow to great heights, they have abundant flowers and leaves, and they come in a great variety of shapes and sizes; they just never cease to amaze me. When they are all flowering in late summer, the garden looks like one big firework display – they always bring a smile to my face, even the seed heads are great to paint.” www.thedoorwaygallery.com
Cliona Doyle
Precise and whimsical, Cliona Doyle says the making of her floral works is absorbing – something she discusses in several YouTube interviews. After attending the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Doyle graduated with an Honours degree in Fine Art Printmaking. Since then she has devoted herself to making more prints, concentrating on carborundum prints and developing various flower themes. She is a member of the Graphic Studio, Dublin and her work has been exhibited in The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, The Chester Beatty Library and the RHA, Dublin; www.sofinearteditions.com.
Rae Perry
The American artist, originally from Dallas, Texas, now lives and work in Dublin. She explains: “I spent two years in Florence, Italy where I completed the drawing programme at the Angel Academy of Art. I am mainly self-taught when it comes to painting, and I primarily focus on still-life subject matter. My influences range from the classic illustrators, to the pre-Raphaelites and the great 19th-century artists such as Alphonse Mucha, John William Waterhouse, James Abbott McNeill Whistler and N CWyeth.” www.thedoorwaygallery.com
Caroline Duffy
Caroline Duffy is known for her striking floral and abstract designs, taking inspiration from nature, gardens in bloom, forest walks, fashion and theatre. “I create colourful art, textiles and patterns for people who want to connect with the joy of nature in their home, wardrobe and wellbeing.” Every painting is brimming with energy and vitality. In addition to her original floral paintings, Duffy also designs prints and silk scarves, and will launch her very first silk dress and woven blanket on September 17, following a successful summer as part of CREATE in Brown Thomas; www.carolineduffdesigns.com.
Karen Wilson
Karen was born in Dublin and educated in Mount Temple. She lives and works in Skerries, Co Dublin where she often works en plein air (and hosts many art classes – check out her new online courses). Working mostly with a palette knife, her paintings are characterised by vigorous thick buttery slashes of colour, with highlights of heavy impasto paint; www.karenwilsonart.com.
Martin Mooney
Martin Mooney is fortunate to enjoy a bi-coastal lifestyle – living in Co Donegal and on the Greek island of Hydra. He is as known for his evocative landscape paintings as much as his gorgeous floral still life works. “It was my wife bringing a bunch of wildflowers, picked from the garden, into my studio that got me started,” he told me, though concedes tulips are “difficult” and his original still lifes are much smaller than his more recent works. “My painting latterly is much more expressive and more natural.” www.martinmooney.ie
Bridget Flinn
Bridget Flinn’s floral paintings are distinctive for their semi-abstracted, close-cropped representation. Each piece, while appearing spontaneous, is worked with a harmonious balance of both colour and composition. Her background and experience in natural history illustration is evident in the keen observation of details. Small and medium sized in scale, Flinn’s works are lively, expressive and joyful; www.solomonfineart.com.
