Lot 32: Melita Denaro , b.1950 Hughie's home place at evening time: It used to be that knowing he was about was all that mattered oil on canvas laid on board

titled, inscribed How can I face the turn in the road with him not there? / Thinking on the Isle after Hughie's death / the whole island feels his loss and dated Nov 03 on the reverse oil on canvas laid on board

66 by 76cm.; 26 by 30in.

The dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Doagh on Inishowen have provided the vibrant subject matter for Denaro's work for many years. An affinity with that landscape as well as with the people and animals which populate it, have imbued her work with added significance. In the present work, she laments the death of her close friend Hughie, a local farmer whose animals have been the subject of numerous paintings. Inspired by Turner, Constable and Nathaniel Hone, her fluid and expressive style expertly captures her atmospheric surroundings whilst her titles offer an intimate insight into her thoughts behind each work. Born in Donegal, Denaro studied at the Central School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools in London. She has exhibited extensively at galleries such as The Taylor Galleries, Dublin; The Solomon Gallery, Dublin; The Sligo Art Gallery; The Glebe Gallery, Donegal and The John Martin Gallery, London.