At the opening of the Paul Sweeney exhibition of new paintings.
AN EXHIBITION of recent paintings by renowned Donegal artist Paul Sweeney opened at Ionad Tempall Chroine Dungloe last Friday night, with Paul himself joined by friends and family and family for the occasion; several of the pieces on display were swiftly snapped up for purchase by local art lovers.
Born in 1938, Paul grew up in Donegal, winning a scholarship to the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, where he studied under renowned artists Sean Keating and Maurice MacGonigal, graduating with a first class honours degree in Fine Art.
A talented musician, Paul spent years touring with the famous Capitol Showband before returning to college and qualifying as an architect, and establishing his own architectural practice – over the past five decades, he’s enjoyed success with any number of large-scale architectural commissions across the country, including several in his native Donegal.
Painting has remained a passion for Paul, however, and in recent years he’s returned to his art with a passion and a unique eye for his beloved Donegal, painting for pleasure and private commissions from collectors.
He paints in oils, watercolor and pastels, and his subject matter includes everything from land and sea-scapes to stunning still lifes and portraiture – with a particular emphasis, subject-wise, on his beloved home county.
Earlier this year, a selection of Paul’s recent work was exhibited to considerable acclaim at the prestigious Dublin Arts Club; the current exhibition in Dungloe marks his first solo showing in Donegal; further exhibitions of his work are already planned for later this year.
The exhibition continues at the Ionad until this Tuesday, July 2.