By Connie Duffy

THERE’S something truly special stirring in the heart of Donegal’s art scene this summer.

Celebrated local artist Veronica Maguire returns with her sixth solo exhibition, Donegal Sands, a dazzling homage to the county’s most captivating beaches – each painting as vibrant, textured, and alive as the coastline itself.

Running between Friday, July 4 and August 5 at the Old Courthouse, Lifford, this exhibition is not to be missed.

Based in Ballybofey, Veronica is a self-taught artist who has been quietly making waves in the art world for over 25 years. Working from her home studio and gallery, she creates in a broad spectrum of mediums – oil, acrylic, watercolour, and her signature alcohol inks – always with an eye for the colourful, contemporary, and uplifting.

Nature is her muse, and her paintings are joyful celebrations of landscape, light, and life.

Veronica’s journey is one of quiet innovation and heartfelt artistry. In 2018, she broke new ground by hosting Ireland’s first alcohol ink exhibition, Abundance of Colour, at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny.

Then, during the isolating days of lockdown in 2020, she brought artists together for a virtual auction that raised both funds and spirits.

Recognition followed in 2021, when her piece ‘Homes of Donegal’ was selected for the Royal Ulster Academy’s 140th annual exhibition and added to the Stormont Castle Civil Service Collection – a proud moment for any artist, but especially for someone who has forged their own creative path.

Now, with Donegal Sands, Veronica unveils her most ambitious project yet. This collection of 20 original oil paintings is rooted in the wild, rugged beauty of Donegal’s beaches.

But these aren’t just landscapes – they are immersive, tactile experiences. For each painting, Veronica visited the beach itself to sketch, photograph, and gather sand samples, which she has integrated directly into the artwork.

Combined with gold and copper leaf, the result is a shimmering, textured surface that mirrors the natural magic of the coastline and invites viewers to feel as well as see the seascape.

The idea for Donegal Sands was sparked by a deeply personal commission, to paint a beloved beach and include sand from the location. That simple gesture – infusing place into paint – unlocked a whole new creative direction.

The series now stands as a heartfelt tribute to the natural beauty of Donegal, and a celebration of the sensory bond we share with the land and sea.

With past exhibitions at venues including the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, the Alley Theatre in Strabane, Oakfield Park in Raphoe, and The BASE in Stranorlar, Veronica is no stranger to turning heads with her distinctive style.

But Donegal Sands is something entirely new, a richly textural, multi-sensory experience that brings the Wild Atlantic Way to life in a way Ireland has never seen before.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a lover of landscape, or simply curious, Donegal Sands offers a fresh and inspiring artistic perspective that promises to dazzle. Admission is free, and all are warmly welcome.

Opening hours at the Old Courthouse are Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am–4pm, and Tuesday and Wednesday 10am–5.30pm.

For more, visit www.veronicamaguireartist.com or reach out via email at veronicamaguire.artist@gmail.com.