Michael F. Downes

Michael F. Downes was born in Cork and educated there. Having graduated from University College Cork, he went to work in the commercial world but painting was always his first love, and eventually he decided to give up his business career and dedicate himself to being a full time artist.

This set him off on a journey as he began to explore his native county first, and later the west coast of Ireland in search of inspiration. It is no surprise then that the landscape should feature extensively in his work. He revels in the challenges imposed by the ever changing moods and lights and colours of the countryside. His keen sense of observation allows him to capture the magic of moving light on the landscape. He occasionally likes to zoom into his subject and finds himself in awe of the layers of colour and movement he sees in wild hedgerows and gardens. There is a sense of peace and a timeless quality in his work.

He simply loves painting, and this enthusiasm is evident on his canvasses. He uses a variety of media, watercolours, pen and inks, oils and acrylics and is constantly experimenting with textures and searching for new ideas and compositions.

Michael is represented in public and private collections. This is his first solo exhibition in Kennys. He is a director of the Crawford Gallery.