Ellen McDermott (b.1964)

The talented contemporary figurative artist Ellen McDermott specializes in visually striking imagery - the sort that grabs you from across the room. But the funny thing this, her paintings really grow on you. They're easy to live with. Perhaps it's the balance of colours, or maybe her eye for composition - she certainly has a remarkable flair for creative photography. Or maybe it's the constant feedback she receives from her husband and four children. Whatever the reason, McDermott's art is definitely worth a close look. Not least because it sells! Her overall style is far from settled, and she continues to experiment widely, but there's no mistaking her talent. Who knows where she might be, two years from now? Is she a neo-Graham Knuttel in the making? And if you like her painting, you'll love her photography. Check her blogsite for some excellent examples.

Mall Walk.

Born in Dublin, McDermott turned on to painting when she won a school competition. Despite top marks in art in her Leaving Certificate, she went on to work as an engineer, and painted on the side.

Some twenty years and four children later, she decided to start showing and selling her work, so far with great success. Over the past 12 months, she has exhibited at: the Art Station Gallery, Wicklow Town; Expose Yourself Gallery, Dun Laoghaire; Kilmantin Art Gallery, Wicklow Town; Red Cross Summer Exhibition, The Hague; Baby Elephant Gallery, Dun Laoghaire; D4 Art Gallery, Ballsbridge, Dublin; to name but a few. She plans to show at The Nora Dunne Gallery from October 2008.

She is now in the process of becoming a full-time artist.

The Last Story (Photograph).

As a painter, McDermott works in oils and has a modern semi-classical style which lends itself to her strong figurative compositions. As you might guess, she has been influenced by a variety of modern artists noted for their direct approach to art, including Van Gogh (1853-90), Andy Warhol (1928-87), Francis Bacon (1909-92) and Graham Knuttel (b.1954).

Despite her growing success, it can't be easy to paint with a house full of children. When I asked her about this, she admitted she needed to be "very very organised". She shops and plans her menus for the month ahead, and sleeps with a diary 2 inches from her face. Hmm, makes me wonder how Van Gogh would have managed with a wife and four kids!

As well as her own works (currently priced between €200-500), McDermott handles a wide range of commissions (fine art and photography).

Study of Audrey Hepburn.

Our Opinion

McDermott's strong draughtsmanship, good eye and well developed sense of colour makes me feel that she could have enormous potential. Well worth a close look before her prices go up.

Unfortunately, the small-size images on this page hardly do justice to her talent, so please check out her website:thearthallgallery.blogspot.com

Review written by Neil Collins (Editor) (Sept 2008).

BEST IRISH ARTISTS 2009
For a list of the leading Irish
painters, including exponents of
figurative art, see: Best Irish Artists.

More Irish Contemporary Painters, Sculptors, Photographers

Robin Atkinson (Landscape art) - Mark Baker (Portraits) - Emma Barone (Shoe art) - Julie Beckett (Impressionism) - John Brady (Expressionist) - Denise Cassidy (Colourist) - Karina Collins (Figurative) - Leo de Freyne (Landscape art) - Charmain Fitzgerald (Surrealistic) - Paul Kelly (Plein-air art) - Bernadette Kiely (Abstract) - Caroline Levis (Watercolours) - Bernadette MacCormick (Portraiture) - Pervaneh Matthews (Pet portraits) - Zita McGarry Kelly (Expressionist) - Henry McGrane (Plein-air landscapes) - Barbara Monahan (Abstract landscapes) - John Morris (Waterscapes) - Chara Nagle (Subject painter) - Patrick Naughton (Fine art photography) - David Nolan (Portraits) - Megan O'Beirne (Holocaust art, photography) - Caoimhghin OCroidheain (Cityscapes) - Ursula Boylan O'Gara (Landscapes/portraits) - Tomas O'Maoldomhnaigh (Portraiture) - Eveleen Power (Landscape paintings) - James Quinn (Technological PCB art) - Anne Stahl (Abstract Landscape artist) - Marja Van Kampen (Expressionist acrylics) - Mieke Vanmechelen (Expressionism) - Conor Walton (Classical oil painter) - Wood 'n' Icon Art Studio (Wood carving, Greek art)

• For more information about visual arts in Ireland, see: Irish Art: Painting and Sculpture.
• For details of famous painters and sculptors from Ireland, see Irish Artists.