Gary Bonner
Gary Bonner lives and works from his native County Donegal, Ireland.
Having studied in Derry for two years to achieve his Diploma in Art and Design he moved on to earn his Degree B/A Hons Visual Communication/Illustration in University of Ulster1995-1998
Inspired by the Donegal landscape, he returned to open his own successful studio in Donegal having worked as an Artist/Illustrator in Belfast for three years.
Prior to that he spent several years traveling to Canada, Holland, Denmark, Prague and Italy studying the different work, architecture and style which provided a basis of sorts for his own art.
He cites his artistic influences to vary from the Italian Renaissance masters to varied modern contemporary artists and photographers. In his latest exhibitions of work Gary revealed an adept versatility of painting styles not often evident in a young Artist.
His interest in mythological themes, rooted in the heartland hills and mountains of his native Donegal, combined with outstanding draftsmanship have led him to compose this recent series of sensitive and well crafted artworks.
Romantic Celtic images of the Poison Glen contrast with more modern minimalist styles illustrating the variety of styles and strengths.
Already well established throughout Ireland as a fine portrait Artist his new contemporary large scale works see him working with form, color and a strong sense of composition which has resulted in bold modern and highly appealing works.
Gary has been commissioned for many commercial pieces which can be seen around the country and provided illustrations for everything from Celtic mythology books to several important ecclesiastical and corporate commissions. He has recently completed art work for the renovated Chapel at Iskaheen, Inishowen, large historical paintings depicting Saint Patrick and Saint Colmcille.
His paintings are displayed in Donegal, Belfast, Cork and Dublin and feature in several private collections throughout the country and in the states.
As one of the resident Artists during the busy summer months his work is also displayed all year round in the Green Door Studio, Port-Na-Blagh, County Donegal.
Partly extracted from an article by Catriona Gallen, Donegal Derry Peoples Press.
