John McBrien's Gallery

Welcome – indeed a thousand welcomes!

You’ve come to the right place if you’re interested in looking at my paintings - or even to read a short story or two. If you know me you can skip straight to the paintings or writing; otherwise, let me tell you something about me, what I do ...and why. 

Biography

I was born in Northern Ireland. Painting has never been my occupation but always a passion. I attended classes in Belfast and in Australia where I lived for several years before returning to England. Now I divide my time between my home in Kent, the well-named “garden of England”, and the West Country, with its stunning countryside and sensational seascapes.

To welcome the Millennium, I exchanged my city suit for an artist’s apron and now devote much of my time to painting and writing. These days I take my paints wherever I travel – in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe or USA - to record the sights and sounds of the local scenes. On location, I work in watercolour, but also uses acrylics back in the studio.

I have been lucky enough to display and sell my work in Northern Ireland and England. I am a keen member of the Sevenoaks Art Club.

The artwork

What I try to do is to seek to find the story behind the scene. Actual locations may be important but I aim to offer the viewer a sense of the moment, creating mood and atmosphere through the style of painting or the choice of colours. More often than not, I look for harmony rather than tension – the peace of the morning or the stillness of an evening - and the fun and enjoyment of everyday living.

Scribblings

When not painting, I enjoy writing fiction and am part of a local writing group. The stories tend to have more "edge" and are often given an Irish backdrop. If you fancy a read, try one.

Alternatively, dip into my blog - it might start about painting but I doubt that it will end there.

Buying a picture 

Nothing beats seeing a painting in "real life" but if you do see something that attracts you enough to think about buying it, do get in touch. And here's something you won't find in most art galleries:

 What you pay for a painting will be entirely up to you.

I'm lucky enough to be able to paint for fun. So, I donate the profits that I make from sales through this website to charity, specifically in support of diabetes research. After deducting postage and a contribution to the cost of production, whatever you pay goes to charity.

Diabetes - the search for a cure

Type 1 Diabetes - which strikes without known cause and is not linked to "lifestyle" - is endured by several members of my family including one of my sons.

I am confident that a cure will be found and the more money that is available for research, the quicker that cure will come.

Buy a painting and you bring that day closer.