Artist Claire Guinan reveals stunning portraits of Ireland’s best loved musicians

Claire Guinan has a rare, exceptional talent.

Irish artist Claire Guinan launches her new exhibition “Heart and Soul: Portraits of Irish Musicians” in the Copper House Gallery in Dublin in early October, and her work is incredible. Guinan presents a number of large scale oil paintings of many heroes of the Irish musical landscape, with acts as diverse as Imelda May, The Coronas, John Sheahan, Lisa Hannigan, Mundy and the iconic Christy Dignam all featured. "Music is so powerful," Guinan, who comes from Tullamore, explains. [caption id="attachment_601684" align="aligncenter" width="659"] Christy Dignam[/caption] "It can evoke memories, enhance our emotions and influence our everyday lives. These musicians take their talent and reach deep into their heart and soul to create wonderful music that enriches our lives. Each and every one of these artists has added to the depth and richness of both Irish music and Irish culture." After completing a Masters in Cultural Policy and Arts Management in UCD, Guinan actually took a break from painting. "I did a jewellery design course in NCAD and got a job designing engagement and wedding rings for two years," she tells JOE, but she soon felt the need to pick up her paintbrush once more. [caption id="attachment_601685" align="aligncenter" width="843"] Lisa Hannigan[/caption] "I really missed painting and decided to start working on an exhibition that captured the two things I am most passionate about; portraiture and music."

'Heart and Soul: Portraits of Irish musicians' opens on Thursday 5 October at 6pm in The Copper House Gallery, Synge St, Dublin and runs until the 11^th of October.

[caption id="attachment_601687" align="aligncenter" width="567"] Claire Guinan with her portrait of Gavin James[/caption]

For more information check out Claire Facebook page here and her Twitter profile here.