STILL LIFE BY PAUL MALONEY

ALLA PRIMA is the title of an exhibition of still life oil paintings by Paul Maloney opening in The Pigyard Gallery at Spectrum in Selskar, Wexford on Friday, December 1, continuing up to Christmas. Paul has gained a reputation as a talented artist while also maintaining a wide following as a potter with his work featured in some of the best craft and gift outlets throughout Ireland.

He graduated from the National College of Art and Design in 1979 and painting took a back seat for a time as work and family commitments enjoyed precedence.

‘When the recession hit in 2008, I made a conscious decision to become a better painter’, said Paul. ‘Painting regularly, attending life drawing classes at the RHA and involving myself in demonstrations and workshops at home and abroad, all helped to progress my skills as an artist’.

He is known for his style, working directly from life, a method sometimes known as alla prima – such as the examples shown here, above and below.

These artistic excursions have proved both enjoyable and fruitful, leading to exhibitions, commissions and awards. He has been an overall winner at Wexford’s Art in the Open festival and this year, he captured the overall award in ‘Paint Annapolis’ plein air festival, a jury selected event overseen by The Maryland Federation of Art. Paul’s subject matter usually reflects the time of year, spring landscapes, summer on the beach and local events.

His equine paintings completed during Wexford Races and Bannow Rathangan Show sold very well during the Opera Festival.