A Kick Up The Arts #17 – Niki Purcell

THE ARTIST by The Artist

I have always drawn or painted – some of my earliest memories are of drawing. I even went as far as drawing a picture in the front of all of my books, signing & dating them as a young child – just in case I was ever famous!

A little later I graduated from NCAD with an honours degree, in 1995, and have worked as an artist ever since, exhibiting extensively both internationally & nationally – the Hugh Lane, The Guinness Hopstore and the RHA Gallery among others, and my work can be found in many important collections, including the Office of Public Works.

I have been and am influenced by many artists; a little like my taste in music, there are a few firm favorites and others that go in & out of favour as time passes. Some of the firm favorites are below…

My Work…

In my own work, I attempt to depict not objective reality, but rather the subjective emotions and responses that my surroundings or subjects arouse in me. For me paint and the act of painting – creating a world or story on a canvas that can live and grow both in my head or the viewer’s imagination – is the magic and purpose of my work. A painting should suggest/conjure up a whole world of possibilities that can make each viewing a new experience.


The Withering Of The Boughs by Niki Purcell (large oil on canvas)
I am currently working on Paintings inspired by Yeat’s poetry – the magical/mystical world that they contain and the layers of meaning provide a rich source of inspiration for me.

The Silver Apples of the Moon by Niki Purcell (large oil on canvas)
Another large canvas from my series of Yeats works, these paintings will be exhibited in the Rua Red Arts Center October 2015.

Portraits by Niki Purcell
My work is also on view in The Duke St. Gallery, Gallery 1608, The Gaslamp Gallery and the Castle Arts center in Clarecastle.
I have also in recent years started to paint portraits which I enjoy immensely, and have had many happy commissions…

My Influences…

Wheat Field With Cypresses by Vincent Van Gogh (1889)
Van Gogh’s sense of movement, energy and raw paint have always talked to me.

Mill Pool, Passing Storm by Ivon Hitchens (1951)
Ivon Hitchens, an English landscape painter I have admired for many years, his use of colour & abstract shapes/marks that conjure up landscape are magical

Music Of The Future by Peter Doig (2002-2007)
Peter Doig is another Artist who brings another worldly and expressionistic feel to his work, his use of paint & colour can be very subdued but yet full of colour & story.

To view more of Niki’s work, click right here.