Elaine Conneely
Painter
Bio
I was born and raised in a small town on Long Island called Cutchogue in New York. My family
home was on the edge of a creek that led out to Peconic Bay. Sailing, boating, fishing and living close to the water’s edge defined my entire home life. I moved to Connemara with my husband and two children in 1995. We live on the wild sea coast and it felt like home immediately. Since I have been here, I have been teaching art and painting and doing commissions in my studio here in Galway, Ire-land.
My paintings are about light, which is amazing in the west of Ireland and the energy of nature. I am filled with love and enthusiasm for life and I think this comes across in my work. My paintings are about me learning that each moment of everyday is sacred and precious. Apart from the love for my family, painting is what is most dear to me, a great joy in my life. I suppose that being in lockdown from Covid-19 let me “come out” of myself for the first time in my life. I began painting with bright color and a new vigour I have never felt before I am not sure why or where it came from but, I wholeheartedly embrace the changes and new freedom I feel. It has been an exciting time for me crea-tively even though it has been a deeply upsetting and frightening time as well. I am happy with my work and life and look forward to the future.