Brian Byrne trained in NCA and NCAD. During the 80’s and 90’s, he was a gallery artist with the Oriel gallery in Dublin. Brian exhibited in the annual RHA and Oireachtas exhibitions, during this time. In 1999 and 2000, he had a solo show at International Visions gallery in Washington DC, and in Orla Celtic Art, New York City, and the Templeton Collection in Atlanta Georgia. Recent solo shows include An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, and in An Gailearaí Gaoth Dobhair.
Artist Statement
The painting process for me is, primarily instantaneous and immediate in its function. Observation is important. I don’t make notes as to colour or drawing references etc. I tend to absorb the images in the hope that they will “ pop up”, when required. I do not make preliminary sketches, as they can “sap” the energy from the painting process. I am therefore, obliged to hone my observational skills, which hopefully I have done over 50 years. The immediacy of the application of the first marks is paramount. Once momentum is achieved, the painting will create its own rhythm. The interruption of this rhythm will terminate the painting process. The actual point of interruption will determine the quality of the work. So the burning question is……”when is it finished”?