The view in winter from the upper floor of my studio, where I paint. I used to hold some of my workshops on the ground floor
A Still Life - I love painting oriental vases, I've often bought them in antique shops
Arriving in Cong Village - this picturesque village attracts many tourists, it's about 5 minute drive from my studio
I painted this farmyard scene on a plein air session during the Wexford Art in the Open festival
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JOHN DINAN
Since I was a boy, I was always drawing, always painting. And, although I studied Engineering in college, it was Art that filled my heart. After a technical and business career of 30 years, the 'pull' of Art was too greatand I became a fulltime painter 24 years ago. It's a decision I've never regretted, I've worked hard to be a better painter, and through my teaching I've found a deeper understanding of what makes good Art. I wanted to learn how to paint all genres - from landscape to still life, from portraits to figurative painting. I realised how much I enjoy teaching others what I've learned over many decades. My work life now is a lovely, sometimes hectic mixture of painting for galleries, commissions and teaching workshops. I hope you like the paintings on view on this website, and maybe you'll join me someday on one of my workshops or through my online classes or mentoring. Thanks for visiting. John Some more background information about me While a young professional engineer, I studied evenings in the National College of Art in Dublin, and later formed a local Art Group where I lived. I hired a well known artist to teach our group, and he invited me to join an additional weekly class of his, and later he invited me to join a group of artists who painted in the west of Ireland each Summer. Henry Healy RHA was that teacher and through him and the friendship of 10 other artists of The Back Lane Painters, with whom I've taken a one or two week painting holiday for over 40 years, I learned most of what I know today. I have, of course, taken other short workshops with several international tutors, and continually try to improve and expand my knowledge and expertise in painting and drawing. I have exhibited in many high street Irish galleries for over 40 years, and have been teaching art almost as long. In 2001 I decided it was time to devote my working life to Art and so I became a fulltime painter, supplying nearly a dozen Irish galleries with my work. All went really well until the financial crash of 2007/8, and the bottom fell out of the Art market. I decided to increase my teaching, and so since then I have combined painting for galleries - with teaching many different painting and drawing workshops, in various parts of Ireland, public workshops and local art groups, as well as overseas Plein Air workshops in France and Italy/Sardinia. I don't like to limit myself to just one recognisable style, and so from time to time I'll paint a semi-abstract landscape, or create more whimsical drawing in my paintings, or emphasise Line etc - I feel this variety keeps my vision fresh and aids my teaching insights. As an artist you're always learning, always trying to make your next painting your very best. That's what inspires me, and I'm grateful for having developed the talents over many years, to allow me to fulfil my lifelong dreams. Why not join me for a painting workshop, I teach in a relaxed, enjoyable way, always encouraging, and my workshops get terrific feedback - no matter what level of experience you have. No need to be afraid or embarassed about your work, I treat everyone with respect and try to help them at whatever level they're at with their paintings. For the last couple of years, I've thought 'this might be my last year teaching' - it hasn't happened yet because I like teaching so much, but you never know - so don't leave it too late! With best wishes John Dinan |