My name is Tony Oakey.
I am a full-time, self taught artist at San-Pitz Studio in Piltown, County Kilkenny, in the South-East of Ireland.
I started painting in 1992 and had my first sell-out show at Kilkenny's Art Festival of 1995. Encouraged by the demand for my work I made the decision in 2000 to give up my 'paid' job to devote all my time and efforts into painting.
In 2003 I was awarded a residency at The Cill Rialaig Artists retreat in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry, an experience that solidified my desire to work and live as a professional artist. My work is inspired by the rugged and beautiful landscape of Ireland and could best be described as 'surreal expressionism' although the word I hear most often to describe my paintings is 'Different' so if you are looking for something different and unique,something that captures the 'feel' of nature, you are in the right place.
I exhibit my work in many venues and galleries across Ireland and my paintings are included in private and corporate collections throughout Europe and further abroad.
In my spare time or when my mind goes blank I dabble in gardening, astronomy and photography.
You can see more of my available work at www.tonyoakeyart.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
'For me painting is a mental voyage, a journey full of colour and surprise.
I treat each day as a blank canvas, with new thoughts and fresh dreams to influence me.
My surroundings, my mood, the music I listen to will all sub-consciously contribute to the work in progress.
This way of painting opens my mind to a world of discovery without rules, reasons or explanations.
I now live and work in a less serious place where there are no boundaries between imagination and reality.'
Thank you for reading this far and if you ever find yourself passing anywhere near Piltown, be sure to call to my San-Pitz Studio where you can see my latest work in progress.
If you are interested in seeing more of my work online you can browse at your leisure @
www.tonyoakeyart.com
www.newirishart.com/TonyOakey
www.saatchiart.com/tonyoakey
www.facebook.com/tonyoakeyart
www.flickr.com/pingflied
Tony Oakey joined Fine Art America on November 5th, 2013.
