Fine art is what's cooking for this Kilnaleck kitchen fitter

To be a painter/decorator isn't unusual, but how about artist/kitchen fitter? Donal Brady from Kilnaleck works as a kitchen fitter by day, but has turned his hand to fine art by night. His first ever exhibition of his first ever body of art-work will be on view in the Backyard, Moynehall, Cavan from Friday of next week, May 20. Cavan county councillor Dessie Boylan is set to perform the official opening at 8pm, and the collection will be on view until 10pm that evening. "I often had an interest in taking up painting, and eventually got around to it," says Donal, who took up the hobby just last year. Natural talent and flair shine through but Donal has never done any formal training, not even as a child. "At school it was either art or mechanical drawing," says Donal, who didn't put much thought into opting for the latter as a young lad. But years later, specifically last September or October, Donal found he had a bit more time on his hands during a quiet month or two at work. "I started off on the internet, and did lessons from Youtube to learn about colours and different painting techniques." Not only did he have a natural talent, but he also loved it plus people responded very positively to his work. "I showed a few of my early paintings to Savina Donohoe from the county museum. She thought they were very good for someone starting off and she gave me great encouragement." Just months later, he has a collection of about 50 stunning paintings to display at the exhibition. Most are landscapes and Donal's medium is oils. The landscapes are inspired by scenes from County Cavan and further afield, among them The Burren in County Clare and the Sally Gap in Co. Wicklow. While he continues working in the kitchen manufacturing business where he's worked for 15 years, Donal now spends most free hours with his paint-brush poised. "It keeps me out of town!" he jokes. All are welcome at the exhibition opening at the Backyard on Friday, May 20, at 8pm.