Collection: Jim McKee Art

Jim McKee

Jim McKee is an international artist and singer/songwriter from County Tyrone. He is deeply inspired by The Burren and the West of Ireland which was his spiritual home for many years. Jim’s work extends across international collections, solo and group exhibitions, commissions, charity and community arts, and as a recording artist he has performed across Ireland, the UK, France and the USA.

He finds inspiration all around him... in a cluster of wild flowers, a bend of the lane, a corner of a bog, a tractor in the landscape, boats at rest at the quay, the colours of the Burren.

He has a story for every painting and each one is important to him. His images are emotional and enthusiastic responses to his surroundings. There is a wonderful spontaneity about his work, as he sculpts with paint while recording and capturing that magical moment that triggered off the response. Some locations in his paintings are identifiable, but most are quiet little corners he has discovered himself.

He is self-taught and is fearless with paint. He has a personal and recognisable style, imbued with life and energy and colour. He uses a palette knife, virtually playing the oils like a musical instrument, and the results are humorous and honest, impressionistic renderings and reflections of Ireland today, its passing traditions, its people and its landscape.

His portraits are strong in expression, vibrant in colour and invariably of subjects who have made a major impact on his life.”  Tom Kenny – Kenny’s Gallery, Galway,