Simon Kenny

Born in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland. Now lives close to the sea – amazing vistas of sunrise and sunset, storms rolling in and wild seas offering inspiration on his doorstep.

Fascination with the world around him clearly manifests itself through his work, yet no piece is ever site specific. His aim is for the viewer to connect personally with each composition – to be reminded of a place they once knew, or visited by an unexpected moment of emotion.

His personality is a big part of his work, and as he starts on a new painting he embarks on a personal journey through a host of emotions, all carefully considered and expressed through colour and form, offering the viewer a direct visual connection to his mind set.

He works for up to 20 hours a day on his paintings.

Paints in oils saying “the paint can be worked over long periods, it blends brilliantly, and to be honest I think oil paint brings elements to painting that I struggle to achieve with other mediums.”

Currently experimenting with inks and liquid acrylics in small amounts, exploring textural possibilities which can alter the perception of the piece when viewed from different angles.

His technique encompasses brush and palette knife work.

Creates a subtle under-painting and graduating alterations in colour.

Inspired by Albert Bierstad (German-born American painter best known for his lavish, sweeping landscapes of the American West) and Turner because their amazing use of light.

Dramatic, atmospheric and totally captivating.

Semi abstract high-impact ‘colourburst’ paintings.

His style is best described as ‘lyrical abstraction’.

Described in the press as a ‘radical impressionist’ – taking the impressionistic ideal to new levels.

Simon says: I do become incredibly emotionally connected to my work almost treating as it’s a living thing. My mood plays a part in the colours I choose, the way I use my brushes and knives and it can certainly affect direction of the work, that’s what makes so special to me.