How did you get into art / have you always been painting?

I just fell into art really and I kept on painting.

I’d always been busy doing crafts and in 1996 I decided to join a ‘hobby’ art course in Bray. After being there for about 4 years, I joined BIFE and completed a portfolio course. I was then accepted into a visual arts course in Dun Laoghaire, where I stayed for a year and learned about the use of colours, exhibiting methods and so on.
I then enrolled into an interior design course in Dun Laoghaire, as well as a silk painting course in Marley Park. I call myself an ‘apprentice of everything, master of nothing’. 😊

What medium/media do you use?

Oils. I did do silk painting for a number of years, even had a solo exhibition in Arklow. But I fell back into oils and completed another one or two courses to get the ‘feel’ back for oils.

What are your favourite subjects or themes?

I make up subjects, let my mind run free and see what comes out. I like the stylised format and with that, any topic. Although I’m inclined to put people or objects in the paintings. Flowers, landscapes and animals are also regular topics. Whatever grabs me at the time.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my blank canvas and go with the flow. Sometimes an idea would be in my head, but then I change it as I go along.

Is there anything in particular you like to communicate through your art ?

My vision is to paint for the love of painting and I hope that people will love what I do.

When and why did you join the Greystones Art Group?

I joined in the nineties and took part in the exhibitions in St Patrick’s. But then I left to continue painting on my own. I rejoined in 2023 after meeting someone from the group and I haven’t looked back.

Do you take commissions?

No, the reason being is that I like my painting to flow without being restricted to a particular style. I hope that people like what I do.

Are you working on any special projects? (e.g. exhibitions, commission, etc.)

I’m just working at trying to improve my painting skills.

Instagram: margaretg_art