This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A CLARE artist has been invited to exhibit some of his finest work at a prestigious international festival.
Philip Brennan, who is based at Stonehall, Newmarket-on-Fergus, will go to Florence next week to take part in the Florence Bienalle festival.
Six hundred artists from 60 countries will display their works at the event.
“Each artist brings three pieces of their work. All of these festivals have a very big international effect. It is a very big shop window for artists,” said Philip.
Philip’s three paintings are all locally based. One is based on the Burren area, while the other two feature images generated from his own garden in Stonehall. One is based on cutting trees, while the other features the last swallow of the year.
He is looking forward to exhibiting his works in an international setting. “Florence was purely an invitation. I don’t know where they got my name. It is only my second show abroad, following on from the Irish Festival in Milwaukee in 2007,” he said.
“For any artist, any bit of promotion at all is good,” he added.
He has forged strong international links in recent times. He took part in an artists-in-residence scheme in Wales earlier this year and will bring an exhibition there in 2013.
“I am absolutely thrilled, given the way things are now with the recession,” said Philip.
Philip has returned to the studio for the winter months, having focused much of his work outdoors during the summer.
His work is varied and he loves the various challenges presented by his art work. “I usually get a piece finished in two days but wildlife ones take a bit longer. I like the ones that involve people and wildlife in the picture as well as landscapes,” he added. While he occasionally uses pastels, inks, pencil and oils, watercolour is his preferred medium. As well as illustrating bird guide books such as the ‘Birds of Killarney National Park’ and a range of historical and wildlife illustrations, he has published a number of books which feature paintings and accompanying stories, poems and songs. He is also a traditional singer and songwriter and has a background in teaching and wildlife work. Philip will take part in the exhibition in Florence from December 3 to 11.