Where did you grow up?
I grew up in County Cavan.
When did you first become interested in art?
From a very early age I was interested in drawing.
How did you pursue your desire to be a painter?
We had no art class at secondary school; it was not until I went to work in
Dublin that I got tuition at the College of Art in the evenings.
I completed many painting courses and studied for my Diploma in Art History
and in Oil and Acrylic Painting.
What is the artistic lifestyle like? Take us through a typical day.
I like to get started in the morning after breakfast. I like to start with my en plein
air drawings. I will usually have a photo as well and some
colour notes and palette choices. Painting usually lasts until lunchtime.
Do you paint every day, or only when the inspiration hits you?
I paint during the working week, five days a week if at all possible.
Choose one of your paintings and explain your inspiration behind it:
This image was painted as a special project on Cavan Geopark. I took
many sketches of it. We were in a group and we had such an enjoyable
day!
Where is your favourite place to paint?
I have a studio area at my home which I use.
Which artists have most inspired you and why?
I do like the artists of the Impressionist age eg., Pierre Bonnard, and many
more artists since that. I like Peter Doig for his whimsical style. I like the
feeling that goes behind the painting.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am starting a new collection for an exhibit at a local Gallery.
Do you have any current or upcoming exhibitions?
I have an exhibition on at the Museum in Ballyjamesduff which has gone into
lockdown. We did get to have a lovely opening night which was also the tribute to Percy
French the artist/Musician. I am currently working for an Autumn solo show at
the Solas Gallery in Ballinamore.
At which location (or who) would you love the opportunity to paint?
I can’t wait to get out to paint again, seascapes and floral landscapes.
To view more of Freda’s work click HERE
