Inside Out

Exhibition Notes

For many years (perhaps too many!) I have been fascinated by the technique of pure watercolour. This fascination combined with continuing wonder at the constantly changing beauty of the Connemara landscape, at times leaves me breathless in my efforts to capture the essential essence of place.

Seeking refuge from this battle I turn to the subject of still life, which can be complex and intriguing and allow for more direct invention and control. I like to reflect on the complexity of interlacing ideas. Such complication needs the greater density and more emphatic hue of gouache.

As I work I think of painters whose work still means so much to so many. I feel I completely understand why Claude Monet said, "Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment."

I hope my pictures reveal not too much torment and, at least, some joy!

Clare Cryan 2004