Blue Moon

Abstract

This catalogue represents the recent work by the colourist Lucy Doyle. In this latest solo show at the Doorway Gallery, Dublin in May 2019, called Blue Moon she exhibits 24 new oil paintings which she started in late 2017 concluding the final one by the end of 2018. ‘The subject matter of my work,’ she says in her introduction, ‘is a reflection of my life in rural County Wicklow with my family, friends and animals. I let an idea for a painting slowly evolve in an open and organic way; letting it gradually filter through into my consciousness, where it gains momentum, until finally emerging as a complete idea for a painting. All this must happen before I can start on the practicalities of reproducing it into paint on canvas. In this way I can paint something that has its origins in something so abstract as a feeling, mood or sense of place; a painting that is intensely personal and authentic to me. The moon is such an integral and romantic part of all our lives, full of mystery and significance and 2018 was a special year. Two full moons in the months of January and March, two blue moons, a super moon and two total lunar eclipses. I have always been drawn to moonscapes for the mood and colour palette it inspires. So, I had no hesitation in naming this recent collection, Blue Moon, after one of my large canvases of the same name….what I have ultimately set out to achieve in my lifetime, is to persue the complex journey of a colourist and picture-maker; continuing to challenge and explore the endless permutations and possibilities of what makes for me, a good and enduring life-enhancing painting. That is why each painting is unique, representing a moment in my life.'