As the Tall Ships sail once more into Waterford Harbour, Time and Tide strives to capture the essence of Waterford’s maritime history: the tang of salt that drifts on the Waterford air, the sun and shade as it is reflected on the Irish sea around Waterford’s coast and the noisy chop and swirl [...]]]>

As the Tall Ships sail once more into Waterford Harbour, Time and Tide strives to capture the essence of Waterford’s maritime history: the tang of salt that drifts on the Waterford air, the sun and shade as it is reflected on the Irish sea around Waterford’s coast and the noisy chop and swirl of waves that act as percussion in Waterford’s heartbeat forever.

Ken, a local artist who has previously impressed with his 2008 show at the Waterford Treasures, Eist le Fuaim na Mara, draws his inspiration from the rugged aesthetic of the Waterford coastline, its fragility and its strength.  Waterford has always maintained strong links with the sea, and much of the culture of the county is shaped by seafaring traditions and briny imagery. Time and Tide explores the earthy respect Waterford holds for the sea and shore around the county, its strength and its beauties.

Ken works in fresh, naturalistic colours with a precise eye that captures the familiar variegations of Waterford’s cliffs and sea-grasses, the casual lilt of light upon a wave or painted bow of a boat.  Featuring scenes from picturesque Tramore, the harbour at Dunmore East, and the sea-hewn cliffs and bays at Garrarus and Kilfarrasy, Ken’s oil paintings capture the raw power of the Irish Sea and the part it plays in the lifestyles of Waterford people.

Artist Ken Smith showcases Time and Tide, a selection of his latest works at the Index Gallery in Waterford’s Central Library, Lady Lane from Wednesday June 29th – Friday July 15th.

Ballyscanlon’s Miller (76cm x 61cm, Oil on canvas)

As a respite from sky, sea and sand, I’ve been working on some large format studies of horses.

These two paintings and others similar will form the basis of an exhibition of equine pieces in November 2011. Prior [...]]]> The Circus
(76cm x 61cm, Oil on canvas)

Ballyscanlon’s Miller
(76cm x 61cm, Oil on canvas)

As a respite from sky, sea and sand, I’ve been working on some large format studies of horses.

These two paintings and others similar will form the basis of an exhibition of equine pieces in November 2011. Prior to this I have a maritime art exhibition scheduled for June/July 2011, details of which will appear on this blog in coming weeks.

All in all, I’ve a very busy 2011 lined up already. Watch this blog for further updates.

Ken

Details: Lifeguard’s Hut (Oil on canvas)

I was recently commissioned to paint a bright, summery painting of Tramore for a wedding gift. The result being this large oil painting of the Lifeguard’s Hut, Tramore. There’s a strong emphasis on shadow, movement and tone to create an atmosphere of a breezy summers [...]]]>

Details:


Lifeguard’s Hut
(Oil on canvas)

I was recently commissioned to paint a bright, summery painting of Tramore for a wedding gift. The result being this large oil painting of the Lifeguard’s Hut, Tramore. There’s a strong emphasis on shadow, movement and tone to create an atmosphere of a breezy summers day.

I’m very happy with this piece so far, it’s progressing nicely. The underpainting is down in addition to several layers of cadmium red, vermillion red, zinc white, paynes gray and cerulean blue. Further highlighting and balance for the apples.Â

Apples

(40cm x 50cm, Oil on canvas) To [...]]]>

I’m very happy with this piece so far, it’s progressing nicely. The underpainting is down in addition to several layers of cadmium red, vermillion red, zinc white, paynes gray and cerulean blue. Further highlighting and balance for the apples. 

Apples

(40cm x 50cm, Oil on canvas)
To mix things up a little I started this still life. Working on the underpainting at the moment, using van dyke brown, indian red, sap green and zinc white.

Lawlor’s Strand (61cm x 76cm, Oil on canvas) A nice sized painting of Lawlor’s Strand, Dunmore East. In this piece I’ve focused on the play of light and shadows upon the water.

Drydock (61cm x 76cm, Oil on canvas) Study of trawler under repair in Dunmore East. Rough form painted, plenty more to do yet.

Tramore Cove (100cm x 75cm, Oil on canvas) A summer scene of Tramore Cove. Lots to do on this piece yet.

Fisherman’s Blues (31cm x 90cm, Oil on canvas) This painting almost made my last exhibition, Éist le Fuaim na Mara, but I didn’t get a chance to complete it in time. Unfortunately it’s been on the back burner until now. It’s based on some photos I took of gulls resting on [...]]]>

Fisherman’s Blues
(31cm x 90cm, Oil on canvas)
This painting almost made my last exhibition, Éist le Fuaim na Mara, but I didn’t get a chance to complete it in time. Unfortunately it’s been on the back burner until now. It’s based on some photos I took of gulls resting on the Clock Tower Marina in Waterford. I have a good bit of detail to complete on the gulls but I’m pleased with it so far.