FROM Bushmills to Strangford and Bangor to Newcastle, the stunning Northern Ireland coastline is the inspiration behind a new set of paintings from Co Down artist Kathryn Callaghan.
The Northern Ireland Art Trail showcases ten original artworks in Callaghan’s trademark ink mixes.
The artworks on the trail are designed to celebrate the rich local coastal landscapes, charming villages, vibrant local communities and warm hospitality that make Northern Ireland a must visit destination.
The paintings are strategically placed in, or very close to, the location depicted within the painting itself, providing viewers with a contextual experience, allowing them to pause and view the subject through Kathryn’s eyes, while immersing themselves in the moment.
@kathryncallaghanfineart In case you missed it, all ten new originals are now available online! We're working on a secret special mission involving these pieces for the summer, but if you'd like to view them before they go on a little road trip of their own, get in touch to visit the studio this week!✨ #art #artist #localart #localartist #northernireland #northernirelandart #ni #niart #bloodybridge #newcastle #mournemountains #murloughnationalnaturereserve #strangfordvillage #bangor #bangormarina #strangford #belfast #northcoastofireland #ballintoyharbour #kcfineart #kathryncallaghan
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They can also enjoy a tipple – whether that’s a whiskey, a coffee or even an ice cream or scones - as they do so: the paintings are placed within three hotels, two restaurants, two cafés and one traditional Irish pub. Each locale is as distinctive as the surrounding natural landscape.
“The memories I have of the places I’ve painted transport me right back to my early years with my parents, through to more independent experiences with friends as a teenager,” explains Kathryn.
“Revisiting these places was such a joy and connecting with the business owners in the host venues we have partnered with was equally rewarding.
“It’s lovely to have their support and their space for hanging my paintings, giving an opportunity to enjoy my art for free and for it to be accessible to everyone.”
Through each piece, Callaghan aims to evoke cherished memories in the viewer, helping them to create their own summer memories along the coast.
“I have a deep love for Northern Ireland and everything it represents as my home,” says the Lisbane based-artist.
“Creating the Northern Ireland Art Trail took me to places I love to visit and which hold fond memories for me. I was able to conjure up so many wonderful memories of my happy childhood and of then making memories with my own children through this journey in completing these 10 artworks,”
After a marketing career in travel and outdoor recreation, Callaghan returned to study fine art at Belfast Metropolitan College in 2009. Through this, she became fascinated with creating artwork that captures the essence and soul of her subjects.
To this end, Callaghan works from the heart in a very fluid and organic way. Her eye-catching freestyle poured paint and ink paintings are inspired by everyday glimpses of the beauty of the world around her, and the need to capture a moment.
“I deliberately created each piece in a very spontaneous, gestural way, capturing my emotions and the essence of each place, rather than producing exact visual representations,” she explains.
The first stop on Kathryn Callaghan’s Northern Ireland Art Trail is Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Hotel, which displays her painting Bloody Bridge.
A starting point for the ascent to the summit of Slieve Donard, the painting was inspired by her childhood memories of playing in the rock pools and bouldering with her children.
“It’s a serene yet wild place that represents an opportunity to unwind, have fun and be close to nature,” she adds.
Another painting from the area – The Mournes from Murlough – is displayed in The Buck’s Head, near Murlough Nature Reserve.
As a child, Kathryn has fond memories of riding the Strangford-Portaferry ferry, and of getting chips or an ice cream in Strangford village while visiting Castleward and Kilclief Beach.
She captures the “peaceful memory” of “the boats bobbing up and down, and the colourful houses” in her painting Strangford Village, on view at The Lobster Pot in the village.
On Bangor Pier, displayed at The Guillemot Café on Bangor Marina, Callaghan reflects upon her teenage and young adult years.
“The pier is a happy place for me, as well as where my focus shifted to the wider world. I hope this painting evokes for you the opportunity and wonder that Bangor represents to me.”
The Glens of Antrim is an area Kathryn came to know in her 20s while working in outdoor recreation. The vast landscape certainly captured her heart, and this painting, on display at Mary McBride’s in Cushendun, represents “the many twists and turns that life presents us with”.
The final five paintings of the art trail depict the scenic north coast.
For Callaghan, the painting Ballintoy Harbour, which can be viewed at The Fullerton Arms in the titular picturesque village, is “inspired by happiness and exploration”.
She captures the “energy and wild spirt of the Giant’s Causeway in Causeway Rocks. This, along with White Rocks from Magheracross, is hosted by The Bushmills Inn.
It’s a serene yet wild place that represents an opportunity to unwind, have fun and be close to nature
— Kathryn Callaghan
“This viewpoint is jaw-dropping, and reminds me how small I am in this great big world. I hope this painting can give us all a sense of perspective and remind us to step back and enjoy life’s bigger picture.”
Her last two paintings, West Strand Portrush and Benone Strand, can be found at Arcadia, Portrush, the former home of the iconic dancehall.
West Strand Portrush evokes simple pleasures and happy memories of sandcastles and picnics on the beach, mixed with visits to the amusements, chippy and ice cream shop. Whereas, Benone Strand captures a sense of space and freedom left by the receding tide.
“It’s a feeling of peace and serenity, and I hope that comes across in this painting,” she adds.
All 10 paintings are available to purchase as prints, so you can take the essence of your favourite place with you wherever you go.
For a chance to win a print, you can visit the paintings at their host venues, take a selfie with them, and tag Kathryn Callaghan Fine Art when you post the photo online, using @kcfineart on Instagram and Facebook.
