Simon Macleod

 

Morning, Sandymount Strand – Oil on Canvas

Simon Macleod’s paintings have been described as “fragile and subtle masterpieces”. Landscapes often seen to include delicate effects and lighting, understated detail and muted, but natural colours.

Born in 1956, MacLeod studied Fine Art in Ireland's National College of Art and Design. He has since been awarded the Royal Trust of Canada Award for Oil Painting and he is included in several major public collections, including Bank of Ireland, Royal Hospital, the Office of Public Works and the Dublin Writers Centre in Parnell Square. He has taught at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and is also an accomplished musician, a keen guitar player.

In contrast to his peaceful and silent landscapes, MacLeod has also explored the mutual relationship between space and light in a series called “Nightfire”, which typically feature one or two figures only, beside a bright fire, surrounded by darkness. In using only the light from the fire itself to illuminate the figures, the trees and windows, he has created a space in which to accurately express feelings of human isolation, to contrast with a sense of comfort portrayed through the warmth of a fire.

MacLeod’s most recent series, “Sandymount”, further explores this study of light and transition.  These works typically depict; bare strands, wide open skies, distant oceans - all combining to create an infinite, deep space punctuated by minute figures. This series features the familiar landmarks of Dublin Bay, from Howth Head, to Poolbeg and out to Dun Laoghaire Pier.

In recent years, MacLeod has represented Ireland at the Contemporary Irish Art Exhibition in London, Art Expo New York, Art Sydney Australia, and The Beijing Art Salon China.