Famous Irish Artists & Painters

Yvonne McGuinness is an Irish visual artist known for her work in video installation and print. Based in Monkstown, County Dublin, McGuinness has exhibited her works in Ireland and the UK. She holds an MA from the Royal College of Art in London. Her art explores themes of self-portrayal, deception, and the tension between revelation and concealment. McGuinness has also created several short films, including "This is between us" (2011), "Charlie's Place" (2012), and "Procession" (2012).

Grace Gifford was an accomplished Irish artist and cartoonist known for her active involvement in the Republican movement. She gained recognition for her artistic talents and dedication to the cause. Gifford's work as a cartoonist reflected her political beliefs and served as a form of activism. Her marriage to Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol, just hours before his execution, became a poignant symbol of their commitment to the cause. Gifford's professional life was marked by her artistic contributions and unwavering support for Irish independence.

Sean Scully is a highly regarded artist known for his work as a painter, printmaker, sculptor, and photographer. His pieces are featured in prestigious museum collections globally, and he has been nominated for the Turner Prize twice. Contributing to the shift from Minimalism to Emotional abstraction in painting, Scully relocated from London to New York in 1975. As an accomplished lecturer and professor, his insights on art and creativity are documented in the book "Inner: The Collected Writings and Selected Interviews of Sean Scully."

Michael Craig-Martin is an Irish-born contemporary conceptual artist and painter known for his influential role in fostering and adopting the Young British Artists movement. He is recognized for his conceptual artwork, An Oak Tree, and has served as an emeritus Professor of Fine Art at Goldsmiths. Craig-Martin has shared his insights and experiences in the art world through his memoir, On Being An Artist, which offers advice for aspiring artists. His contributions to the art community have made a lasting impact on the contemporary art scene.

George Augustus Moore was a versatile Irish writer who excelled in various literary forms, including novels, short stories, poetry, art criticism, memoirs, and drama. Initially aspiring to be a painter, he studied art in Paris, where he formed close relationships with prominent French artists and writers. Moore's naturalistic writing style was influenced by French realists like Émile Zola, making him one of the first English-language authors to incorporate their techniques. He is considered a significant figure in modern Irish literature and had a profound impact on writers like James Joyce.

Neil Harbisson is a prominent cyborg artist and activist known for being the first legally recognized cyborg with an antenna implanted in his skull. His antenna allows him to perceive colors through audible vibrations and receive information such as electromagnetic radiation, phone calls, music, and visual data. In 2010, he co-founded the Cyborg Foundation to defend cyborg rights and promote cyborg art. Additionally, in 2017, he co-founded the Transpecies Society to advocate for individuals with non-human identities and support self-design freedom.

Jack Butler Yeats was an Irish artist known for his evolution from an illustrator to an oil painter. His early works featured simple and lyrical depictions of landscapes and figures, often inspired by the west of Ireland. Yeats' artistic style transitioned from Romanticism to Expressionism over the course of his career. His paintings captured the essence of his boyhood home in Sligo and reflected his deep connection to Irish culture and heritage. Yeats' contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and unique expression.

Patricia Cockburn was a multifaceted professional with a diverse skill set. She was renowned for her work as a writer, journalist, traveler, conchologist, and artist. Cockburn gained recognition for her impactful journalism and later transitioned into a successful artistic career, specializing in creating shell pictures. Her versatility and creativity allowed her to leave a lasting impact in the fields of writing and art, cementing her reputation as a talented and accomplished individual.

John Lavery was a prominent Irish painter recognized for his exceptional portraits and wartime paintings. Throughout his career, he gained widespread acclaim for his artistic talent and unique style. Lavery's portraits captured the essence and character of his subjects with remarkable skill, earning him a reputation as a master portraitist. Additionally, his poignant wartime depictions reflected the emotions and realities of those tumultuous times. His work continues to be celebrated for its depth, emotion, and technical brilliance, solidifying his legacy as a distinguished artist.

Gottfried Helnwein is an Austrian-Irish visual artist known for his diverse body of work encompassing painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and performance art. His art delves into psychological, sociological, and political themes, often focusing on the human condition and historical traumas such as the Holocaust. Helnwein's provocative and controversial pieces frequently reference taboo subjects from recent history. He has collaborated with renowned musicians like the Rolling Stones, Scorpions, Rammstein, and Marilyn Manson. Helnwein studied at the University of Visual Art in Vienna and currently resides and works in Ireland and Los Angeles.

John Butler Yeats was an accomplished Irish artist known for his portraits in oil and works on paper. He is recognized for his skillful portrayal of individuals, including his son William in a painting from 1900. His portrait of John O'Leary, created in 1904, is considered a masterpiece. Yeats' works are held in the National Gallery of Ireland, showcasing his talent and artistic contributions. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a keen eye for capturing the essence and character of his subjects in his art.

William Orpen was an Irish artist based in London, known for his fine draughtsmanship and portraits of Edwardian society. During World War I, he was the most prolific official war artist on the Western Front, creating poignant works of soldiers, prisoners of war, and leaders. Despite his significant contributions, his dedication to depicting the realities of war led to health issues and criticism in his later years. Posthumously, his work faced dismissal but has since gained recognition and appreciation.

Guggi, also known as Derek Rowen, is an Irish artist, painter, and sculptor who began his career as a member of the post-punk band Virgin Prunes before transitioning to focus solely on painting and later sculpture. His work often explores the depiction of common everyday objects, with a particular emphasis on repetition and abstraction. Guggi has exhibited widely since the 1990s, showcasing his signature motifs of bowls and vessels in solo exhibitions around the world and having his work featured in various public collections.

Jim Fitzpatrick is an Irish artist renowned for his intricate artworks influenced by the Irish Celtic artistic style. While he is best known for his detailed pieces inspired by the Celtic tradition, he gained significant recognition for his iconic two-tone portrait of Che Guevara, crafted in 1968 from a photograph by Alberto Korda. Fitzpatrick's professional journey has been marked by a blend of traditional Irish artistic elements and modern influences, showcasing his versatility and talent in creating visually striking and culturally significant pieces.

Kevin Sharkey is a versatile professional with a diverse background in the arts and media industry. He is known for his work as an artist, political activist, television presenter, and actor. In addition to his creative pursuits, he has also shown interest in politics by seeking a nomination to run in the 2018 Irish presidential election. Despite withdrawing his bid, Sharkey continues to be involved in various creative and social endeavors, showcasing his passion for both art and advocacy.

Paul Kane was an Irish-born Canadian painter known for his paintings and field sketches documenting Western indigenous life. Largely self-educated, he trained himself by copying European masters during a study trip through Europe. Kane undertook two voyages through the Canadian northwest in the mid-1800s, sketching and painting First Nations and Métis peoples. He produced over a hundred oil paintings from these sketches, which are considered part of Canadian heritage, despite sometimes embellishing for dramatic effect. His work followed salvage ethnography principles.

Stacia, known mononymously, is an Irish former performance artist/dancer who gained prominence for her work with the rock band Hawkwind. She became a significant figure in the music scene for her unique and captivating stage presence, characterized by her innovative dance performances that often involved psychedelic and avant-garde elements. Stacia's contributions to the band's live shows helped create a visually stunning and immersive experience for audiences, solidifying her reputation as a pioneering performer in the realm of music and art.

John Luke was an Irish artist who studied painting and sculpture under Henry Tonks at the Slade School of Art in London. He won scholarships that allowed him to further his art education and establish himself in the art world. Luke exhibited his work in various exhibitions and received praise from influential critics. Despite economic challenges, he continued to pursue his passion for art, showcasing his talent through paintings such as "The Entombment" and "Carnival." Luke's dedication to his craft led to a successful professional career as an artist.

Charles Jervas was an Irish portrait painter, translator, and art collector during the early 18th century. He gained recognition for his skillful portrait paintings, attracting notable clients including members of the British aristocracy. Jervas also ventured into translating literary works, contributing to the dissemination of cultural knowledge. As an art collector, he amassed a significant collection that reflected his refined taste and appreciation for the arts. Jervas's professional life was marked by his artistic talents, linguistic abilities, and passion for collecting and preserving works of art.

Katherine Plunket was a distinguished botanical illustrator and painter from County Louth. Her work was prolific and highly regarded in the field. She became known for her expertise in botanical illustration, showcasing her talent through intricate and detailed artwork. Plunket's dedication to her craft earned her a reputation as one of the finest artists in her field. Her contributions to botanical illustration left a lasting impact and solidified her legacy as a prominent figure in the art world.

William Mulready RA was an Irish genre painter who settled in London, where he gained recognition for his romanticized portrayals of rural life. He was particularly renowned for his creation of Mulready stationery letter sheets, released concurrently with the iconic Penny Black postage stamp. His artistic career was marked by a focus on sentimental and picturesque scenes, showcasing his talent for capturing the beauty and charm of everyday life through his intricate and emotive paintings.

Evie Hone was an Irish painter and stained glass artist known for her pioneering work in cubism. Her most famous pieces include the East Window in the Chapel at Eton College, depicting the Crucifixion, and My Four Green Fields, now housed in Dublin's Government Buildings. Hone's expertise in stained glass artistry earned her recognition as a leading figure in the field. Her contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated for their unique style and creative vision.

Mario Rosenstock is a versatile Irish performer known for his talents as an actor, comedian, impressionist, and musician. With a successful career spanning several decades, Rosenstock has captivated audiences with his sharp wit, comedic timing, and impressive ability to mimic a wide range of public figures. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, garnering acclaim for his entertaining performances across various mediums, including television, radio, and live shows. Rosenstock's versatility and talent have solidified his reputation as one of Ireland's most beloved entertainers.

Samuel Lover, known as "Ben Trovato," was a versatile Irish artist, excelling as a songwriter, composer, novelist, and portrait painter specializing in miniatures. His creative pursuits encompassed a wide range of artistic expressions, showcasing his talent and passion for the arts. Lover's legacy includes a significant contribution to Irish culture through his music, literature, and visual art. His artistic endeavors left a lasting impact, earning him a revered place in the realms of songwriting, composing, storytelling, and portraiture.

Myra Kathleen Hughes was an accomplished Irish artist and etcher, celebrated for her series Vanishing London. She gained recognition for her exceptional talent and artistic vision, which she expressed through her intricate etchings. Hughes' work captivated audiences with its detailed portrayal of London's disappearing landmarks, showcasing her deep appreciation for the city's history and architecture. Her dedication to capturing the essence of these vanishing scenes solidified her reputation as a significant figure in the art world, leaving a lasting impact on the artistic community.

Roderic O'Conor was an Irish painter known for his significant contributions to the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. He spent a considerable part of his later career in Paris, where he was influenced by the artistic environment and participated in the Pont-Aven movement. O'Conor's work reflects the experimentation and bold use of color characteristic of Impressionism, while also showing elements of Post-Impressionist style. His professional life was marked by a commitment to innovation and a desire to push artistic boundaries.

Stella Steyn was a prolific Irish artist known for her unique and vibrant artworks. She garnered recognition for her innovative use of color and form, creating dynamic and expressive compositions that captivated audiences. Steyn's artistic style evolved over the years, demonstrating a versatility and creativity that set her apart in the art world. Her work was featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries, earning her a reputation as a talented and influential artist. Steyn's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with art enthusiasts around the world.

Nathaniel Hone the Younger was an Irish painter known for his artistic talent and contribution to the art world. He built a successful career as a painter, following in the footsteps of his great-grand-uncle, Nathaniel Hone. With a keen eye for detail and a unique style, he created many notable works that showcased his skill and creativity. Throughout his professional life, Nathaniel Hone the Younger gained recognition for his artistic abilities and left a lasting impact on the art community with his remarkable paintings.

Harry Kernoff was an accomplished Irish genre-painter known for his vivid depictions of Dublin street and pub scenes, landmarks, landscapes, woodcut illustrations, portraits, and set designs. Throughout his career, Kernoff maintained a strong focus on capturing the essence of everyday life in Dublin, showcasing its unique character and charm. His work was highly regarded for its detailed yet emotive portrayal of urban scenes and its ability to convey a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. Kernoff's diverse portfolio solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented artist.

Nathaniel Hone the Elder was a renowned master painter specializing in miniatures and portraits. He co-established the Royal Academy and gained prominence for his work in London. One of his notable paintings, "The Conjurer," stirred controversy as it was perceived as a critique of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Throughout his professional career, Hone demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in his art, earning recognition for his contributions to the art world. His legacy as a talented painter continues to be celebrated and studied by art enthusiasts and historians.