TALENTED… Tempo artist Brendan Callaghan at work in his studio
A STUNNING collection of paintings and drawings which have been created by a partially-sighted Tempo artist is to be displayed in an exhibition in Enniskillen.
The art exbihition begins on Monday (September 15) in Enniskillen Library and runs until September 27th.
Amateur artist, Brendan Callaghan (49) lost his sight in one eye because of a detached retina almost eight years ago and underwent surgery to help repair the damage.
He has been painting from his primary schools days, and has since created almost 100 pieces of artwork, using full vision in just one eye.
By focussing on the fine details of his subject, Brendan is able to paint what he calls a visual statement.
“I hope the art will speak for itself,” he told the Fermanagh Herald. “I always liked drawing from a young age and enjoy sculpting, using different materials like stone and, for my drawings I use acrylic, oils, water colours and charcoal.
“My paintings can sometimes take weeks or just a couple of hours, it all depends on the detail of the painting or whether I make mistakes along the way so then I have to start again.
“I enjoy drawing still life and landscape, so I hope people can go and visit the art exhibition and enjoy the paintings.
“There are about 14 paintings in total which are all fairly big and have different frames and colours, and they are all for sale. I find it very self-satisfying and often find that I could paint or draw something ten times and it will always feel and look different.”
He mostly paints from photographs, drawings, hunches and memory, using an experiential approach.
In 1984 he studied art and design at Fermanagh College under the guidance and direction of art lecturer, Kate Sheridan.
His art course covered a variety of areas and mediums, fine art, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, graphics and textiles.
The Tempo man’s hobby also includes sculpting and works with stone.
“The inspiration for my work comes from different things, from different colours or light, you see things and shapes and ideas come to you,” he added.
“I use different textures and heavy or light pressure on the painting. It just takes time and I wanted to show it to a wider audience. I do it in my spare time when I get a chance, it can depend on the detail of the painting.
“I enjoy painting still life like fruit and different objects, but it takes time because there is probably more detail in still life. I have been doing art since I was young, in primary school and I paint outside in a shed because the paint can go everywhere.
“My sight loss happened around seven or eight years ago. I do have some sight but it would slow me down. I now have to look a lot closer at things and can sometimes get tired easily.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere