Hi, I’m Bernie. My love affair with art began in childhood while living in London, where I won an art competition in the Borough of Brent at just 8 years old. This early achievement ignited a passion that has never waned. Although I studied art as a Leaving Cert subject, I set it aside for a 38-year career as a mental health nurse.
In 2000, after returning to Donegal from the UK, I rediscovered painting as an antidote to the stresses of my career. My dream was to paint full-time, a dream I finally realised in 2021 after taking early retirement and establishing myself as a professional artist.
Now based in Donegal, I work in vivid colours, creating paintings that evoke atmosphere and drama. Influenced by the ebb and flow of life, my environment, and the natural world, I strive to convey feelings of hope, optimism, and joy. My goal is to create uplifting and inspiring paintings that connect with viewers on a romantic and spiritual level.
I work primarily with watercolours, but I also explore oils, encaustic wax and inks. Recently, I’ve been delving into figures set in the Donegal landscape, drawing inspiration from history, raw emotion, and the way lives were once lived. Through my art, I aim to tell stories and depict journeys that are infinite, transient, and yet eternal. I sell original paintings and fine art prints, and I have a home gallery in Ballybofey. I spend weekends in Gweedore, where the stunning landscapes continue to inspire me. Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey.
