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Connor Maguire Biography
Connor completed a foundation studies course at the University of Ulster in Belfast. He then took a year away from his studies in 1997 to travel where he spent a period of time in New York working in the United States.
Connor has now been working steadily as a freelance artist specialising in illustration, ceramics, photo restoration and framing. After having his first solo exhibition in the Down Arts Centre in May 2003 he has continued to exhibit taking part in several group shows alongside other artists like Shawcross, Blackshaw, Carol Graham and others. His work has been praised by other artists and collected by many including famous artist Jim Fitzpatrick who has worked with established musicians like Sinead O Connor, Tori Amos and Ash
'I originally became interested in art at an early age where I would watch my Grandfather sketch and draw out ideas for projects as well as for the mere pleasure of drawing. My Grandfather an accomplished carpenter, designer and watercolorist introduced me to pencil drawing and charcoal. Inspired and hooked seeing what he could accomplish with a pencil and a paintbrush I too attempted to paint as good as he did. Still trying'
After achieving all my GCSE exams and then continuing on to university. I am now continuing to practice as an artist and am still progressing and learning as I go along. It is only until recently that I have just discovered the wonders of oils after painting for years in watercolours and gouache.
Over the next year I am hoping to concentrate a lot more on portraiture and introducing more figures into the paintings with a more realistic finish. Perhaps working on a larger scale .Who knows. At the moment I am still experimenting with a lot of different things and searching for what works best. I guess I will just wait and see what happens.
EXHIBITION DATES
•Down arts centre ,solo exhibition, Downpatrick- 28th May 2003
•Mullans bar ,solo exhibition ,Downpatrick - 14th August 2003
•Hillsborough castle - 12th October 2003
•The Wickerman ,Belfast- 5th November 2003
•Armagh city Hotel - 4th December 2003
•Wellington park hotel ,Belfast - 18th February 2004
•Holy trinity centre ,Belfast -20th until 21st February 2004
•The Tile Refinery gallery , Belfast - 23rd until 28th February 2004
•Belfast Harlequins Art Exhibition, Deramore park, Belfast - 21st until 23rd April 2004.
•The Tile Refinery gallery - NIVAF exhibition 26th April until 8th May 2004
•The John Hewitt ,Donegal street, Belfast-solo exhibition,5th July 2004
•Meath & Adelaide hospital, DUBLIN-Group Exhibition,5th October 2004
•Ulster Watercolour Society ,Old Belmont school, church road, Belfast ,19th August 2005
•Anna Cheyne award ,Civic Arts Centre ,Lisburn ,1st September 2005
•Ulster Watercolour society exhibition,Holywood,18th August 2006
•Ulster Watercolour society exhibition, Newry arts centre,18th August 2006
•UWS -The Gordon gallery -Derry sep 2007
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
•The Yard gallery Christmas exhibition - Holywood ,Belfast ,29th Nov 2007----- Opening commences 7.30pm-9.30pm
•Access to Arts Gallery Christmas Exhibition - Pearce street, Grand canal quay , Dublin, ---- To be announced
•White Image Christmas Exhibition - lisburn road , Hillsborough, Co. Down, N.Ireland ---- To be announced
•Exhibition of graphite images- the norman gallery , wexford ----To be announced
ACHIEVEMENTS
•Received letter of congratulations from Prince Charles as well as having it published in the Hillsborough Castle exhibition catalogue
•Work published by American Art publisher to be featured in book 'creative minds' December 2004
•Awarded membership to the Ulster Watercolour Society August 2004
•Work in collection of Island Civic Arts centre,Lisburn
AWARDS
•Awarded Down Chairman's Award March 2003
•Awarded F.B Steven award August 2005
•Awarded Anna Cheyne award September 2005
•Awarded Carnathan Galleries award ,UWS August 2006
