My dad and uncle were local working artists in their young years (after WWII) as painters and sculptors. In 2007, I decided to explore whether I had any hidden drawing or painting skills by taking my first art lesson. After a couple of drawing workshops, I switched to colored pencils and then tried soft pastels – and here I found my passion!

I’ve also ventured into the Fiber Arts realm in 2025 by trying my hand at Needle Felting in 2D. This is basically painting on felt using colored wool. This is an amazing art form and I do this type of art often.

It seems the family artistic talent did land within my DNA!

My inspiration mainly comes from nature. I enjoy reproducing interesting landscapes or scenery from parks or walks through the countryside. I love how a painting emerges from the soft pastel or wool material as I add color and move it around with my fingers. It is very satisfying to see what your hands can create with such a simple process.

To view more of my art or to commission work, visit my FaceBook page, Art by Eileen Byrne.