“I create my paintings by first sketching my ideas using pencil or pen in my art journal. Then I will choose a sketch from my journal to paint on canvas using acrylic paints. My art is imaginary ideas based on movies, superheroes, and vehicles. I enjoy this type of art because I am very interested in it and it fascinates me. I would like people to be impressed and excited when they see my artwork.”
— Bearnard Durnin, Connecting Artists 2025 Participant
My name is Bearnard Durnin and I am from Ardee, Co. Louth. I have been drawing since my childhood. When I was younger, I drew dinosaurs, cars, and jeeps from my memory and imagination.
When I left secondary school, I completed a FETAC level 5 course in Art and Design. I love sketching in my art journal using pencil and pen. I attend an art class once a week with a local artist, Susan Farrelly, who encourages me to paint on canvas using my ideas from my art journals. I use acrylic paints at the moment. I have exhibited a painting at an Art Exhibition in Ardee. I didn’t want to sell my original painting at the time so I sold a copy of it. I am inspired by movies, superheroes, and vehicles, and also take inspiration from my imagination.
Being involved in the Connecting Artist 2025 program has been a great opportunity for me to meet other artists and be part of a community where my art will be appreciated and accepted, and I look forward to showing my artwork to a larger audience at the Royal College of Surgeons in July.