Conor Walton was born in Dublin in 1970, and studied in the National College of Art and Design, from which he graduated in 1993 with a Joint Honours Degree in the History of Art and Fine Art (Painting). He received a special commendation and prize for his thesis, 'Abstraction: A Discourse on Language and Painting'.

After reading for an MA in Art History and Theory at the University of Essex, which he was awarded with distinction in 1995 (dissertation subject: 'The Battle of the Ancients and the Moderns'), he spent some time in Florence studying painting and old master techniques with Charles Cecil. He returned to Dublin in 1996, and had his first solo exhibition there in 1999.

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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.

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Eve McDonnell's love for painting was kick-started at a young age when she won 3rd prize in the Texaco Art Competition. She attended the National College of Art and Design before embarking on an 8 year career in Graphic Design.

Having moved from Dublin to the beautiful countryside of Wexford, she now spends more time rekindling her love for painting, working primarily on commissions. Using oils as her chosen medium, Eve specialises in street-scenes and endeavours to capture the romance of places that hold a special meaning to her clients.

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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.

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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."

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