This is one of my recent pastel commissions; a portrait of three beautiful young sisters. The girls sat for me while I took lots of reference photos for their painting (even these three angels wouldn’t have been able to sit still for a full painting session!)
btw – I’ve soft pastel classes and workshops in the Schoolhouse for Art in Enniskerry if you’d like to explore this versatile medium….?
Well I’ve been a busy boy since my last blog…..
For about a year I’ve had my eye on the old schoolhouse in Enniskerry village with the idea that it would make an incredible venue for ‘all things art’ and after a bit of nudging, pestering and veiled threats I eventually got my hands on it in August…
The Schoolhouse for Art is in essence an educational facility for the study and exploration of arts
and crafts. Located in ‘the old schoolhouse’ in beautiful Enniskerry village, it is a place for learning,
an exhibition space and a meeting place, where images and ideas mingle. It caters for all ages and
all artistic abilities.
For the whole story and class/workshop details have a click on us www.schoolhouseforart.com.
This is my first attempt of doing time-lapse of my pastel portraits as I’m working. You can see it on ‘YouTube’ – http://youtu.be/pGQFvpN5Yd0 I hope you like it.
Delighted to be told that my recent painting ‘Subjects of Debate’ was featured in today’s Metro Herald.
This is a recent commissioned portrait of Giacomo (his dad’s Italian) he is only 6 months old believe it or not. I took a load reference photos in my studio – it’s difficult to get a child to sit for a pose and impossible for a baby to stay still. I painted his portrait using soft pastel which I think works really well in achieving the subtle skin tones in such a flawless face.
I took photos of the painting as it progressed from start to finish so when I’ve edited it a bit I’ll stick it on youtube, some of you might be interested in seeing how I paint in pastel.
Now for the sales pitch – If you are interested in a portrait in pastel (€750 – same as Giacomo‘s portrait) or oil (from €1,000) give me a shout before I become ridiculously famous and extraordinarily expensive…!! Email me at condron.ie@gmail.com
N.
The obligatory self-portrait was completed in the early hours this morning to meet the deadline for the ‘Sky Arts portrait artist of the year‘ competition (stage 1).
I actually think I look as exhausted as I felt trying to get it finished….phew glad that’s done!
It’s great that portraiture and portrait artists will get some much-needed media, I hope the ‘Sky Arts portrait artist of the year’ will be a great success.
The intention of this life-size painting is to reflect the contentious nature of the abortion legislation rather than to represent ether side of the debate. However, it does represent the subjects around whom the debate rotates. Initially I left the painting untitled however having given it much thought I believe that the title ‘Subjects of Debate‘ perfectly captures the essence of my concept and the public scrutiny and vulnerability of the protagonists. My aspiration for ‘Subjects of Debate‘ is that it acts as a future reminder of the debate itself, and reflects this period of Ireland’s constitutional evolution.
I’m delighted to let you know that ‘Subjects of Debate‘ is currently on view in Gallery Zozimus Francis Street, Dublin 8 (enquiries; Vincent (003531) 453 9057 info@galleryzozimus.ie)
I spent weeks deliberating over a title for this painting. I wanted something that would properly reflect the different aspects of the subject and its Irish connotations. Eventually when I thought I had an appropriate title I showed the painting and the proposed title to a friend I admire as a gifted wordsmith…she suggested that I should let the painting speak for itself. I took her advice.
The inspiration for this painting, like my first 7×3 painting ‘upon small shoulders‘, was drawn from issues, controversies and injustices that currently prevail in Irish society. The intention of the painting is to represent an ongoing debate not to infer an opinion.
I am indebted to my inspirational model who gave birth to her beautiful baby just two weeks after she posed for this painting. I’m filled with admiration for her self-assurance, and selfless generosity.
Detail
The last dog I painted was a cocker spaniel ‘Kerry’ about 40 years ago, which is still hanging in my brother Barry’s house. As painting became an occasional pastime for the following 35 years I never thought of having another stab at ‘canine portraiture’.
However having painted humans at all ages I decided to have a bit of fun with my pastels and paint one of my dogs (there could be some canine commissions out there?). Zeus is my lovable, loyal (he loves me to bits) and beautiful boxer. He’s getting on a bit in dog years and getting a bit grey around the edges but he still has a great figure – unlike his master!
Neil Condron 