• About

    About

    Maév Kelly, an Irish artist based in Dublin, Ireland, has nurtured her passion for drawing and painting since childhood, cultivating a diverse creative portfolio that spans graphic design, illustration, animation, printing, and teaching. Her artistic journey is a reflection of her adoration for the process of painting and drawing, whether approached individually or combined. Through her art, she seeks to capture the inherent beauty found in everyday life.

    She employs a multi-sensory approach to her work, creating pieces that resonate on visceral levels. In her smaller oil paintings, she delves inward, allowing her heart to guide her. Conversely, with her larger works, she embraces instinct over analytical thought, allowing colour and line to dictate her creative direction.

    Maév Kelly embodies an artist dedicated to exploring the depths of creativity, channeling emotion and intuition to produce captivating works that celebrate life's ordinary marvels. She has participated in various exhibitions listed below...

    2024 Kilkenny Portrait Exhibition, An Chéad Tine, Kilkenny
    2023 RHA Annual Exhibition 193rd, RHA Gallery Dublin
    RUA Annual Exhibition 142nd, Royal Ulster Academy Belfast
    2022 RUA Annual Exhibition 141st, Ulster Museum Belfast
    2021 RHA Annual Exhibition 191st, RHA Gallery Dublin
    RUA Annual Exhibition 140th, Royal Ulster Academy Belfast
    2020 RHA Annual Exhibition 190th, RHA Gallery Dublin
    2019 RUA Annual Exhibition 137th, Royal Ulster Academy Belfast
    United Arts Club Exhibition Fitzwilliam Square Dublin
    2018 RHA Annual Exhibition 188th, RHA Gallery Dublin
    2017 Solo Exhibition 'Postcards from Cyprus' Nicosia, Cyprus
    2016 Solo Exhibition 'Wild Atlantic Way' Dawson St, Dublin 2
    2012 RHA Annual Exhibition 182nd, RHA Gallery Dublin
    RHA Secret Art Exhibition, In aid of Chernobyl Charity
    RDS Art Source, RDS Dublin
    2011 RDS Art Source, RDS Dublin
    2010 RDS Art Source, RDS Dublin
    Selected artworks below ...

  • Kilkenny Portrait Prize 2024

    Kilkenny Portrait Prize 2024

    Self-Portrait 'Making the bed'
    Oil on aluminium
    1st Prizewinner at this year's Kilkenny Portrait Show
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    www.instagram.com/reel/C4nBlNOo0ZQ/?utm…

  • RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

    Dolls
    oil on canvas (oval)
    RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

  • RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

    Chips
    Oil on aluminium
    RHA Annual Exhibition 2023

  • Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition 2022

    Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition 2022

    Tree outside the CCJ Parkgate St,
    Oil on aluminium
    RUA Annual Exhibition 2022

  • Portrait Artist of the Week 2021

    Portrait Artist of the Week 2021

    Painted the amazing Jill Nalder on Sky's 'Portrait Artist of the Week' and was delighted she chose it as her favourite out of all the submissions.
    Jill is a Welsh actress and activist. She is known for her career in theatre as well as her contributions to HIV/AIDS activism. She was the inspiration behind the character Jill Baxter in the excellent Channel 4's series "Its A Sin"

    Oil on aluminium.
    Sky Portrait Artist of the Week 2021

  • RHA Annual Exhibition 2021

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2021

    inhale
    oil on board
    60 x 60cm

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2021

  • RHA Annual Exhibition 2020

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2020

    Listen to art critic Jessica Fahey review the RHA Exhibition 2020 and mention my painting www.rte.ie/radio/utils/share/radio1/218…

    Self Portrait 20
    oil on aluminium
    14 x 18"

    RHA Annual Exhibition 2020

  • ISPCC Portraits April 2021

    ISPCC Portraits April 2021

    Portrait Sketches for Childline

    During the month of April I donated all funds for portraits sketches to ISPCC Childline. Because of the Covid pandemic, schools closed and children were required to stay at home. Childline is a service for children available to them via their own homes if they are feeling anxious, stressed or fearful.
    We donated €1840 in total

    Portrait of James
    April 2020

  • P O S T C A R D S from C Y P R U S

    P  O  S  T  C  A  R  D  S  from  C  Y  P  R  U  S

    An Exhibition of Paintings
    1st - 14th December 2017

    Sarahs Jazz Club & Gallery
    Xanthis Xenierou 35
    Nicosia, Cyprus 1015

    Opening reception Friday 1st December 8.30
    Exhibition runs for 2 weeks

    GROUP SHOW

    Oroklini, Cyprus
    Wed 8th - 22nd November

    You are invited to the MICHALIS KYRLITSIAS Art Exhibition organized by the Voroklini Community Council, housed in the Community Hall's Library. The opening will take place on 8 November 2017, at 7 PM.

  • The WILD ATLANTIC WAY

    The WILD ATLANTIC WAY

    THE ATHENA ROOM @ SOL ART
    8 DAWSON STREET
    DUBLIN 2

    MAEV KELLY
    an exhibition of paintings inspired by the
    WILD ATLANTIC WAY

    OPENING RECEPTION
    FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER. 6PM.
    OPENING SPEAKER
    KEVIN MCSHERRY, ARTIST

    EXHIBITION
    FRI 18TH - THURS 24TH NOV.

    Artist Maév Kelly embarks on her first solo exhibition at the Athena Room@Sol Art in November.

    Wild Atlantic Way brings together paintings of this scenic route reflecting both life and and career. Kelly's small oil paintings are a chance to connect and meditate while paying attention to the subject matter whether still-life or landscape. Her larger works on paper using mixed media are a process of working from the inside out using a familiar landscape as a departure point. These instinctive and gestural pieces are influenced by the energy and rhythm of the coast.

    Originally from Cork, Kelly now lives and works in Dublin. She has worked in many creative areas including Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Teaching. In recent years she has exhibited at Art Source and the RHA Annual exhibition.

    CURATED BY TONY STRICKLAND
    marginman1@gmail.com