Holton launches latest art exhibition

It was a case of back to the future for artist Pat Holton when he officially opened his latest exhibition at the spacious, modern, well-lit, Baconstown National School on Friday evening. 

The event was attended by neighbours, friends and relatives and those who wished to see his art at first hand. 

A former student of the old Baconstown NS in the 1960s  (when the school was located across the road from the current school)  Holton unveiled his wide repertoire of works that included mainly watercolours as well as acrylic on canvas and acrylic on boards. 

Holton has been painting for most of his life. A native of Jordanstown, Enfield his artistic career has included working as a sign writer, designer and calligrapher. He now specialises in gold leaf, 3d shadowing and many other artistic disciplines. 

He studied art under the late George Collie (RHA) and his influence continues in the colourful and exuberant works produced by Pat Holton today with his painting of the Irish landscape showing great skill and sensitivity with his skill for what has been termed his "vivid brilliance" and his "loose brushstrokes" marks him out as as an artist of exceptional talent. 

The 63 paintings he has on show at his exhibiton portray many features from the countryside that are very familiar to him such as 'Signal Box Enfield,' 'Trim Castle', ' Flea Ceoil Drogheda; and 'Robertstown Canal House.'

A member of the Artist Association of Ireland and the National Plein Eire Boyne Valley Group, Holton's paintings are in many private collections around the world in countries such as Dubai, Italy, Australia and American to name but a few. His recent exhibitions include nine solo shows in Enfield, Trim Visitor Centre, Bru Na Boinne,, Killeen Castle, and Ardgillan Castle. 

"My approach to the various Irish terrains is influenced by experiencing the mood, atmosphere and the urgency of applying paint to canvas, like capturing and memorising a transient snapshot glance. I endeavour to recreate the impression of place," he commented. 

In his talk at the exhibition Pat Holton paid tribute to a number of people including Gerry Kennedy and the Baconstown NS Board of Management, Joe Whittaker, Paddy Rispin, Peter Darby and others who made the exhibition a possibility. 

The exhibition will run daily from 12 noon - 7pm up until Sunday 21st of July.