Jacinta Crowley-Long Irish artist, Wicklow

Irish artist Jacinta Crowley-Long, Wicklow

Jacinta Crowley-Long BSc,PhD

Living surrounded by her animals on the Wicklow Wexford border, Jacinta has a deserved reputation as one of Ireland's foremost contemporary canine and equestrian artists. She is an artist with an international reputation, exhibiting not only in Ireland but also in the UK, mainland Europe and in America. Her paintings can be found in many private and corporate collections including the OPW, de Beers SA, BP and ETP International. She has been commissioned to paint dogs and horses, from the much loved mongrel to winners of classic races.

Her extensive range of subjects include canine and equestrian portraits, evocative rural landscapes, country interiors, still life and portraits. Jacinta is a natural colourist with a great eye for composition. Visually striking with convincing representations of the real thing, her works have great beauty and intense realism, designed to stir the heart and lift the soul. Her masterful use of colour and tone create a powerful illusion of space, light and atmosphere. These qualities together with her astute powers of observation, excellent drawing skills and intuitive response to a vast array of subject matter, sets her apart from other artists. Her painterly style is what she calls impressionistic realism. 'I like to have my paintings lean towards a looser rendering of the real and leave a little to the viewers imagination.'

Crowley-Long is consistently enriched and inspired by the countryside surrounding her Rectory home on the Wicklow Way. She has always felt a strong connection to the canine and equestrian spirit. A large part of her work is visiting trainer's yards capturing the stars of the turf for her numerous well-known clients in the horse world. Her affinity to dogs is legendary. 'Dogs have a very human quality. Each dog has a unique personality and spirit and it is my challenge to bring each dog's authenticity, essence and character to the canvas' she says.

In her portraiture, she excels in capturing the personality of the animal. 'A big part of a likeness is an animal's personality' she insists. She certainly successfully conveys the spirit, exuberance and depth of expression unique to all her canine portraits. 'Cross bred or pure bred, every dog or horse is a challenge'. Working with owners allows me insight into each animals personality and the great effect they have on our lives'. Her goal with each painting is to make the owners happy by giving them a connection with their animals that they can keep forever. Art for the Heart it certainly is.

It is no surprise then that this year she has made her mark in the USA by receiving three American Art Awards for her canine portraits juried by 25 of the best galleries in the US and in April one of her paintings was the face of Irish Art in America.

She is an artist in the truest, highest sense who stays true to her artistic voice.

Wbsite: www.crowley-long.com