Chris Quinlan - Tipperary and Westmeath

Irish artist Chris Quinlan, Tipperary and Westmeath

Splaying a half full palette knife lightly over the canvas, the layers begin to build and the impression composition starts to materialise. With the use of light colours, un-detailed strokes and dashes, I create an original vibrant image, using an original technique.

I think, dream, see, I step outside my door and I am inspired to paint. I paint a simple message of positivism, neutrality and colour. I just paint the colours I wish to see.

Past series of artworks i.e. floral still life, figurative abstract and mixed media, using various medium; have evolved and created a practical foundation for my current technique and style. My much loved medium, oil paint, is applied in an alla prima technique, used by some of my favorite impressionists, Van Gogh, Monet and Sargent. I paint with a palette knife, this for me, limits the detail and extent of inaccuracy.

Although a predominantly self taught artist, I have digested in-depth, many impressionism and contemporary art books, videos and other references, practiced and practiced more. I stand fast that my work solely represents and will always represent the neutral visual aspect in life. Each painting has unique characteristics that give meaning and value to me, allowing me to portray my enthusiasm and excitement in the next and every piece. I strive to learn and grow as an artist with each and every painting.

I want to inspire the viewers of my work to keep or look for the positivism, neutrality and colour in their everyday or maybe return to that happy place be it in a dream, a memory or a Sunday drive. I want to continue developing my style, portfolio, skills and talents to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the world of art.

What is art? I try to understand it everyday. Can anyone understand art? Can anyone understand life? Just like life, I may never know its true meaning. I do know that art can be demanding, but beautiful and rewarding just like life. A lifetime isn't nearly enough to express my imagination. I will require a thousand lifetimes and a million canvases to paint all the concepts of my imagination.