So Hi There Blog friends,

I wanted you to be the first people to see a selection of my new work. 

This series of wax and pigment monotypes on kozo paper were started whilst on residency in Cill Rialaig earlier this year and they are soon to appear on my website available for sale and exhibition. 

Each piece, either vertical or horizontal is 51x41cm and I have yet to decide if I shall present them affixed to panel or more traditionally matted and framed...I have to say I am leaning towards affixed to panel..it retains more of the contemporary feel I prefer - what do you think?  Perhaps I should offer them unmounted in a roll for choice of option..really what do you think?

I have a large backlog of fresh work, mostly original small scale print pieces from my "Shape of Life" series to load up to the webpage too, they are strongly positive pieces with a repeatable diamond motif which speaks to me about clarity, wisdom and ascension in the metaphorical sense, they are very healing works to my mind, quite delicate in their make up and created whilst I have been dealing with my treatment for chronic fatigue....their development has coincided with my healing after a number of years of difficulty and when I figure out how I hope to offer the remaining number for purchase right from my webpage, along with some older works, namely encaustic paintings on paper from my "Generations" works and "smallstories" series produced in the past number of years.

Today however I wish to share with you "Left of Field" This new series, as mentioned above of 7 only original works, this is their first public viewing and although its only a glimpse I would very much appreciate your feedback...the palette is an extension of my "shapeoflife" works but I see the influence of the Cill Rialaig surroundings in these works too, the grey of the rock, the yellow of the lichen, the quick rolling weather, flashes of light and murky clouds...its all here ... there is a real progression of dark to light with much of this work which reflects with my journey with chronic illness in recent years, watch the video below, I do hope you like the work, let me know what you think!

Thanks Niamh. x

Its always so wonderful to be booked as a facilitator for classes and community outreach programmes and this June 15th is no different...I am thrilled to be invited by Clones Ulster Canal Stores here in County Monaghan with support from Waterways Ireland to partake in their "Water Willow and Wildlife" series of events through an introduction to encaustic wax and iron painting.

  These two hour taster sessions will take place on Saturday the 15th from 11 - 1 O'Clock for limited numbers, materials and tools are provided and in this taster session you will learn the very basics of beeswax and iron painting with me...I am very much looking forward to this flash event and do hope you can join me on the day.  Booking IS essential , please see number below.  Thank you . x N.

  The Ulster Canal Stores are currently running a project kindly funded by Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan 2016-2020. This project is to raise awareness of our ecosystems, the importance of nature and how we can do our bit to encourage wildlife to our areas. 

Our program will include planting for nature, a schools art competition and public talks, all around our 'Water, Willow & Wildlife' theme.  

As part of this project we will hold Encaustic Art, or hot wax painting classes with Monaghan artist Niamh O'Connor.  This is a wonderful opportunity to try an new and uncommon art form. €20 all materials & refreshments included.
        Saturday June 15th    11am-1pm   Pre -booking essential   Tel: 047 52125

Hi Friends,

You may remember me telling you recently that I attended a great lithography class in Enniskillen, and I did, it was super....additionally it alerted me to the fact that the pleasure I derived from attending such a class could be rolled out and that at all times learning is a life long process....well with this is mind I was delighted to have a wonderful opportunity come my way in the guise of a group of printmaking classes offered by Creative Spark in Dundalk (roughly an hour from my house) and chomping at the bit I signed up then and there.... well so far over the course of three weeks under the expert guidance of print instructor Grainne Murphy in the most impressive of print studios I have explored Monotype (no new news to me there but using more traditional mediums then my favoured wax and pigment and on more traditional paper types too - so still fascinating!) Drypoint etching and Carborundum with chine colle ...I have very few photos at present as I am so stuck into mastering the processes it didn't occur to me to snap away, however with a further three weeks to go and experiments in merging some of these techniques in my mind I hope to share a number of more images over the remaining three weeks ...so as they say watch this space....additionally check out CREATIVE SPARK to hear more about their training sessions, Artist in residence program and general training and meeting provisions.