Just a bit about me before I start to paint for the day.

About me

Joe Gilronan:-

I am a full time professional artist who has been greatly influenced by the works of Tolkien. I received a Fine Arts Degree in painting from Liverpool University and hold a Higher National Diploma in design and ceramics from the University of Wales. I am originally from Chester, England but have lived in Olvera, Cadiz Spain for the last 4 years. I have exhibited and sold work world wide and work primarily in oils,acrylic and clay.

Influences

Tolkien

Why Tolkien? I suppose it all started from a very early age when I first heard a reading of the Hobbit on a British children's TV show called Jackanory. I just loved the whole world that he had created, this in turn led me to The Lord of the Rings/Silmarillion. Ever since a part of me has inhabited this world and art has allowed me to continue this magical journey.

The natural world

I have been very lucky in that I have always lived in close range of amazing scenery the Snowdonian national park, the Cheshire plains and now the Andalucia moutains. Whenever possible, I go for walks and take photographs and do lots of sketches. So there are lots of trees/mountains/castles/rivers and landmarks that I have sketched/photographed in my finished works.

Artists

Too many to mention but two artists have remained a constant J.M.W. Turner and my father R.A.Gilronan who had a succesful career as a landscape painter.

News/interviews

Two of my paintings have been chosen by Voyageur Press with the view to producing a book on Middle Earth. voyageur are taking sample materials to the London Book Fair, to gauge international interest in the proposed book.


I am very proud to say that I was interviewed by Middle-Earth Network concerning my Tolkien inspired artwork. Visit the following link for full details:- 


http://news.mymiddle-earth.net/2012/01/30/the-tolkien-inspired-art-of-joe-gilronan/