Francis Kennedy works from a small studio at his home in Athenry, in the west of Ireland. "I own paint brushes and I use them".

He has a great love of music, having played in a number of bands in a former life and much of his work revolves around musicians and recitals.

Francis' art hangs on the walls of some famous names, like Sharon Corr, Brendan Shine, and the soprano Deirdre Shannon-Gilsenan, as well as in the offices of Coffey Construction and Galway Bay FM.

For further details on Francis click here.

At the age of 31 Jay Walker returned to college studying Art and Design. It was here that abstract expressionism was to have a major influence; Jackson Pollock being the main inspirational figure. Upon leaving college he moved to Dublin, found a studio in the Docklands area and carried on painting, developing his work and absorbing the surroundings.

Jay now works from a studio in Co Carlow, at the foot of Mount Leinster. His more recent work has moved further from abstraction toward a style of impressionism; recording the change and development which is sweeping the cities throughout Ireland and in contrast the subdued tranquility of coastal and country life.

For further details on Jay click here.

Ellen McDermott's Fine Art Portraiture is portraiture with a difference. She started taking photographs to use as guides in her paintings but soon found that she was being asked by people if she would sell them her prints and take their photographs.

Ellen was picked as one of the Finalists in PhotoIreland Festival Open Call 2010. She is a Director of Kilmantin Art Gallery in Wicklow Town. Up until this year Ellen was on the Wicklow Arts Festival Committee but resigned from the board in order to concentrate more on her photography.

For further details on Ellen click here.

Richard Browne is from Kerry but is currently traveling in the U.S.

Artist statement: "I am enthused by organically driven abstracts. For me its all about openess. The art assumes its own shape and life. I tend to see the natural world in my pieces but try not to lead them too much."

For further details on Richard click here.

Chara Nagle started painting at a young age and decided very early on that art was her life and passion. She was fascinated by observing people and portraying their everyday activities in her art.

Chara's paintings are big, bold, dramatic observations of everyday life. However there is also an element of intrigue and humour to Chara's paintings. She invites the viewer to come to their own conclusions as to what is happening in the painting. Chara engages the viewer further through her use of vibrant colours and realistic portrail of her subject matter.

For further details on Chara click here.