‘PAINTING is a Treasure’ is the title of the upcoming solo exhibition, by Carmel Daly which opens at the start of next month at the Courthouse Gallery in Kinvara.

Carmel’s motto and philosophy is that “painting is a treasure and a pleasure,” and it is and adage she has lived by. Carmel is a visual artist, born in Galway and living locally. Her work is mainly representative of everyday life and scenes which she paints in vibrant colours. Her work

is inspired by the beauty of the Burren, from observing rural pastures and pastimes, and people at their work and leisure.

Well known in the Banner, Carmel is a former librarian with Clare County Libraries. She has facilitated access and provision for arts and creativity. Carmel helped to implement library policy to support community and cultural organisations, as well as promoting cultural events in Ennis

and Shannon Libraries. Believing in access and provision of information, education and recreation, Carmel encouraged arts and craft exhibitions and thus contributed to many cultural and community forms of expression.

Carmel describes painting as: “One form of expression, a cultural cousin so to speak.” When time came to make a career change, Carmel returned to formal education to study Fine Art and Painting in the Centre for Creative Arts and Media in Galway, now the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and graduated in Art and Design.

Now, Carmel enjoys the process of painting. “I love mixing, experimenting, creating new colour, tones, shades, shapes and shadows in harmonious and complimentary colours,” she said. 

For her artwork preparation, Carmel sketches, photographs, and paints ‘en plein air’. She likes to observe the changing western skies, sunsets, and evening shadows, often finishing work later in oil or watercolour.

‘Painting is a Treasure’ runs from Friday, July 1 to 10 July. An opening reception takes place on Friday, July 1 at 7pm in the Courthouse, Kinvara.