Artwork Description

This striking artwork, titled "Majestic Warrior," presents a vertical composition that captures the essence of a majestic warrior from a tribal culture. The warrior is depicted in full fighting attire, holding a spear in one hand and shielding himself with a protective shield. His head is adorned with vibrant and eye-catching feathers.

The warrior figure dominates the composition, filling the canvas with its powerful presence. The rich and vibrant colors used to render the warrior stand in stark contrast to the warm ochres and yellows of the background. The choice of a thin rectangular canvas further accentuates the monolithic stature of the warrior, lending the artwork a sense of monumentality.

Details:
Artist: Paul Kelly
Title: “Majestic Warrior”
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 117 x 45 cm
Condition Report: In overall good condition
Signature: Located in the lower right corner

About the artist:
Paul Kelly's journey as an artist began at a young age, where he discovered his passion for drawing and painting. Despite being entirely self-taught, Kelly has gone on to establish a significant reputation in both Ireland and internationally.

His artistic style is rooted in a conventional pre-impressionist approach, and he works with oils and watercolors. Kelly is particularly known for his paintings that capture the landscapes and scenes of north county Dublin, featuring bustling fields, market gardens, and small harbors. His travels have taken him all over Ireland in search of new sources of inspiration, and he has even ventured abroad to places like Morocco, Prague, Budapest, and Venice.

Throughout his career, Kelly has held numerous successful solo exhibitions, including at renowned galleries like the Gorry Gallery in Dublin and The Killarney Art Gallery in Co. Kerry. He has also participated in group shows across Ireland and exhibited at prestigious institutions like the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. In 1991, he was honored with the James Kennedy memorial award for portraiture.

Kelly's works can be found in both public and private collections, including the national self-portrait collections of Ireland, the Fingal County Library, and the Brian P. Burns collection in the USA. He has received recognition for his contributions to Irish art, such as the "Artist of the Year" award from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain.

One of his notable exhibitions, "Lambay, Portrait of an Island," held in 2004, showcased his work inspired by Lambay Island and received widespread acclaim.

In 2010, Kelly embarked on a journey to Brittany, France, capturing the region's beauty and culture in his art, particularly focusing on events like the annual Pardons with their native costumes and medieval settings.

In 2012, he exhibited "Carnival of Venice," showcasing the sumptuous costumes, wigs, and masks of the annual Venice Carnival against the city's magnificent backdrop. This exhibition coincided with the launch of his book celebrating the Carnival through his artistic lens.