Born in Cork in 1976 Paul went on to study Graphic Design in Central Saint Martins College, London majoring in Printmaking and Animation and after graduating spent a number of years printmaking in Cork Printmakers.
Paul has worked for C. Robersons & Co. London aiding in the manufacturing of artist painting materials. As a master canvas stretcher for their sister company Russell & Chappell he worked with artists in residence at the National Gallery, London such as Alison Watt and many international artists including M.F. Husain. In 2008 Paul worked for Cill Rialaig artist retreat and helped to set up Clo Cill Rialaig Print Studios editioning prints for many Irish artists including Charles Tyrell and Martin Finnin. Later in 2008 he travelled to Auckland, New Zealand and worked for the prestigious picture framers John Leech Framing.
Paul has exhibited in a number of group shows in London from 2004 to 2008, had his first solo show in 2008 in Ireland and another in New Zealand in 2010. Paul is currently located in Cork, painting from Sample Studios and running workshops in canvas preparation and stretching. Since returning to Ireland in 2012 he has had a solo show in L’Atitude 51 Wine Bar, Cork and currently has work hanging in the Fenn’s Quay and The Cornstore restaurants.
Since he graduated Paul has been following his passion for painting landscapes and cityscapes. He primarily works in acrylic paint but also experiments with mixed media. Although his paintings retain photographic qualities there is a conscious preference for a more painterly finish. There is often an abstract quality to the work and he likes to achieve a sense of familiarity without connecting to a specific place. His choice of subject is strongly influenced by his immediate surroundings.
Paul is currently working at Mayfield Art Centre.
http://paulmckennaart.blogspot.ie
After Paul Henry 