Variety the key for artist Breege as her new work goes on show

An art exhibition by Westport born Breege Staunton, who now lives in Grattan Road, Salthill, is currently running in Renzo’s Café in the city’s Eyre Street.

Breege received her formal training in art from the Paintbox School Galway and Fran McGann of the Gort Painting School and exhibits every year with the Paintbox and with the Galway Art Club, one of Ireland’s oldest art clubs. She has also participated in group exhibitions in the Linenhall Castlebar,the Custom House Westport and Galway Civic Museum.

Her work featured on Christmas cards for Croí the West of Ireland Heart Foundation, in both 2006 and 2007. Mayo County Council have purchased some of her works for their Westport Urban Council Offices, while the Office of Public Works last year retained some of her paintings for their new Revenue Offices in Galway.

Breege’s love of art began during her childhood in Mayo in the 1940s, she recalls.

“In the days before refrigeration, we had a cold safe in our yard. It was a timber frame with wire mesh front. This was used to keep butter and cream cool. When a hole came in the corner of the frame, I discovered the sides were packed with charcoal, so every time I wanted to draw a picture, my little finger wriggled out a piece of charcoal. We did not have fancy drawing copies but I utilised both sides of every bit of paper bag that came into the house.

“Drawing, sketching and photography were always in our household and I was very much encouraged by my late father,” she continues.

“Growing up in the 1940s and 1950 this would have been a bit unusual.”

Painting in oils is her preferred medium these days. “I love the smell and malleability of it, but I also paint in acrylic and on silk. I love pen and wash sketching and find this a great medium for outdoor work. My favourite subjects to paint would be little villages nestled into the backdrop of the countryside. Coming from Westport, Croagh Patrick features in a lot of my work. I don’t follow any particular themes but paint as the mood and subject presents itself, ranging from voluptuous nudes, to street scenes of old Galway, my adopted home.

Breege’s current exhibition, which was opened by Ronnie O’Gorman, will run until the end of January and all are welcome to visit.