Club Artists
Carrickfergus Art Club takes great pride in showcasing artists within the club. Many artists exhibit both in the club and solo exhibitions in art galleries throughout the province.
Anne Bates has a lifelong interest in art and has been a faithful member of the club for over thirty years. In that time she has painted in all mediums but particularly enjoys working in acrylics, taking inspiration from Irish landscapes and colours in nature. Anne never tires of trying various new techniques and learning from club demonstrations - she has exhibited in many church and art club exhibitions enjoying great success in selling much of her work.
Roy Caughey is renowned for his incredible oil portraits and landscapes. He has been strongly influenced by the loose brushwork of Monet and John Singer Sargent, but painting in his own recognisable style. As a self taught artist he works mainly from his studio at home and when weather permits enjoys the freedom of En plein air painting. Roy has been a valuable member of the art club for over 8 years, contributing and selling his stunning paintings at many exhibitions.
Doreen Kirkwood edit
Kevin Mawhinney started painting in 2000 with the help from club member Dessie Monroe who introduced him to the work of local artists Paul Henry and James H. Craig. He was immediately hooked and hasn't looked back. He joined the club in 2017 and likes to paint landscapes in acrylics loving the unpredictability of the Irish weather which gives the perfect opportunity to capture atmospheric clouds. He exhibits within the club and in DW Gallery, Whiteabbey.
Wendy McClatchey rekindled her childhood love of art and joined the art club in 2015. After a long hiatus she went back to what she knows best, painting animals, especially dogs and horses . Working mainly in acrylics she captures her subjects in comical, quirky poses; always square on a simple black background. She sells and exhibits at The Gallery Whitehead and club exhibitions. Find Wendy at www.wendymcclatchey.com and www.facebook.com/WendyMcClatcheyArt/
Jenny and Linda Strawbridge are a mother and daughter duo who began their art journey nine years ago under Paul Wilson’s tutelage, and joined CAC two years later to get together with like-minded people and to enjoy the “craic”. Jenny only started her art when she was over 70 and is still learning! Her initial mediums were watercolour and gouache but she ventured into oils which is now her #1 pleasure. Linda tried watercolour and oils but her first love was, and remains, pastels.”
Chris Sturgess has been a member of the club for over 20 years. As an avid watercolourist, he has been greatly influenced by the artists Paul Holmes, Chris Deardon and Manson Blair. With an affinity for Donegal and the North coast of Ireland he paints beautiful landscapes, relishing the uncertainty that watercolour brings. A member of Ulster Watercolour Society and North Coast Artists, Chris has exhibited all over the province with his work in local collections, Europe and the USA. You can find Chris at www.causewaycoastartists.co.uk/chris-sturgess
