I once had a studio on this charming street in Kilkenny City. While I don't typically paint streetscapes, something about this street captivated me, particularly the way the light illuminates the buildings and the old cathedral rising majestically in the background. Normally, this street bustles with tourists visiting the nearby castle, which lies just opposite this view. To capture its essence without the distraction of people or cars, I took reference photos early in the morning, when the city was still asleep. Kilkenny is a beautiful city, steeped in history and charm, and I felt incredibly proud to work in such a magical place.

For this piece, I used oil paints on canvas. I began with a loose wash of carmine mixed with turpentine. Once it dried, I sketched out the image using a very diluted raw umber. From there, I gradually built up the layers. I wanted the initial loose sketch to remain visible in the finished piece, adding a unique texture and depth. My focus wasn't on fine details but rather on suggestive brushstrokes to convey the scene's atmosphere.

Painting title : Morning Light on The Parade

Medium : Oil on Canvas

Picture Size : 60 x 80 cm

This painting, along with several of my other works, will be featured in a group exhibition at An Chéad Tine Art Studios, located at 10 The Parade, Kilkenny. The exhibition will coincide with the Kilkenny Arts Festival and the AKA Festival, running from August 11th to 18th.

We would be delighted if you could join us for the opening on August 11th at 2:30 pm for a chat and some drinks.