Conor Maguire Artwork

2008-04-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

Calm Before the Storm

Connor Maguire was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1977. A former pupil of De La Salle secondary school Connor attained all his exams at GCSE and A-LEVEL and continued on to study at the University of Ulster in Belfast then taking a year away from his studies to work and travel where he spent a period of time in New York working in the United States.
Returning home Connor has now been working steadily as a freelance artist specialising in Illustration, Ceramics, Website design, framing as well as working in every type of medium that is accessible to him in regards of painting and drawing. Connors paintings are inspired from anything ranging from everyday events, personal experiences, friends or family .He also frames and mounts all of his work.

Coming Home

After having his first solo exhibition in the Down Arts Centre in May 2003 he has continued to exhibit taking part in solo and several group shows alongside Irelands most respected artists such as Shawcross, Blackshaw, Carol Graham and many other acclaimed painters recognised throughout Ireland. His work has been praised by collectors and painters alike, one of which lies in the collection of famous artist Jim Fitzpatrick who has worked with established musicians such as Sinead O Connor, Tori Amos and Ash.

The Old lady

Connors work has also been published by a Californian fine art company featuring in a book entitled “Creative minds”. Winning the Chairman’s award in 2003, Connor has gone on to win the Stephens award, Anne Cheyne award and Carnathan galleries awards amongst others. He is the youngest member to gain membership to the Ulster Watercolour Society and exhibits on an annual basis with his paintings selling in each show.

The Long Road

After exhibiting in Hillsborough Castle he has received a personal letter from Prince Charles of Clarence house congratulating him on his participation and contribution to “The Prince’s trust” and success in the art world.

Sleepwalker

He has produced a limited edition range of work making his images more accessible to the public in the form of greeting cards and limited edition giclee range which are available throughout several retailers in Northern Ireland such as the Wickerman in Belfast and Painted Earth in Newcastle.

Angel

In his own words:
"I originally became interested in art at an early age where I would watch my Grandfather sketch and draw out ideas for projects as well as for the mere pleasure of drawing. My Grandfather an accomplished Draughtsman,carpenter, designer and watercolorist introduced me to pencil drawing and charcoal. Inspired and hooked seeing what he could accomplish with a pencil and a paintbrush I too attempted to paint as good as he did. Still trying"

The Genius

"Over the next year I am hoping to concentrate a lot more on portraiture and introducing more figures into the paintings with a more realistic finish. Perhaps working on a larger scale .Who knows. At the moment I am still experimenting with a lot of different things and searching for what works best. I guess I will just wait and see what happens."

The Attraction

Connors work continues to progress and develop and continues to exhibit in galleries throughout Ireland.

Resume

EXHIBITION DATES
•Down arts centre ,solo exhibition, Downpatrick- 28th May 2003
•Mullans bar ,solo exhibition ,Downpatrick - 14th August 2003
•Hillsborough castle - 12th October 2003
•The Wickerman ,Belfast- 5th November 2003
•Armagh city Hotel - 4th December 2003
•Wellington park hotel ,Belfast - 18th February 2004
•Holy trinity centre ,Belfast -20th until 21st February 2004
•The Tile Refinery gallery , Belfast - 23rd until 28th February 2004
•Belfast Harlequins Art Exhibition, Deramore park, Belfast - 21st until 23rd April 2004.
•The Tile Refinery gallery - NIVAF exhibition 26th April until 8th May 2004
•The John Hewitt ,Donegal street, Belfast-solo exhibition,5th July 2004
•Meath & Adelaide hospital, DUBLIN-Group Exhibition,5th October 2004
•Ulster Watercolour Society ,Old Belmont school, church road, Belfast ,19th August 2005
•Anna Cheyne award ,Civic Arts Centre ,Lisburn ,1st September 2005
•Ulster Watercolour society exhibition,Holywood,18th August 2006
•Ulster Watercolour society exhibition, Newry arts centre,18th August 2006
•UWS -The Gordon gallery -Derry sep 2007

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
•Solo exhibition "A Collection so far"-The Down Arts centre -Downpatrick May 2008

GALLERIES EXHIBITING
•The Yard gallery - Holywood ,Belfast ,N.Ireland
•Access to Arts Gallery - Pearce street, Grand canal quay , Dublin, Republic of Ireland
•White Image - lisburn road , Hillsborough, Co. Down, N.Ireland
•The Norman gallery - Wexford, Republic of Ireland

ACHIEVEMENTS
•Received letter of congratulations from Prince Charles as well as having it published in the Hillsborough Castle exhibition catalogue
•Work published by American Art publisher to be featured in book "creative minds" December 2004
•Awarded membership to the Ulster Watercolour Society August 2004
•Work in collection of Island Civic Arts centre,Lisburn

AWARDS
•Awarded Down Chairman's Award March 2003
•Awarded F.B Steven award August 2005
•Awarded Anna Cheyne award September 2005
•Awarded Carnathan Galleries award ,UWS August 2006

conor maguires artwork

Conor Maguire Artwork