Creative Journal

How to buy original art online has peaked with the rise of artists selling work through their websites. Here’s how I began selling my paintings online. Being able to sell my art online has been a game-changer for me. However, it took a while to get my head around this...

April 2023: Contemporary Artist in London Interview

This month I was invited to chat about being a contemporary artist in London with Stan from the Art by Artists YouTube channel. What We Discussed In this interview about being a contemporary artist in London Stan wanted to know about my background and how I came to be...

April 2023: Behind the Artist- Contemporary Abstract Landscape Artist Interview

Recently Sophie Skelton from Behind the Artist invited me to chat with her about my work as a contemporary abstract landscape painter and how I became an artist. Flaxen, 2023, oil paint, charcoal and oil bar on board, 40x40cm On Being a Contemporary Abstract Landscape...

March 2023: The Other Art Fair London

Delighted to share that I have been selected for stand #140 at The Other Art Fair London 2023 in the renowned Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. Find complimentary tickets here! Aisling Drennan The Other Art Fair 2023 See below for tickets & find me at stand #140....

February 2023: Artist and Mother

This is my first creative journal entry since having baby Caolán. Now as an artist and mother, I’d like to share what's been happening with my work since becoming a parent. Where I was In my last entry, I was nine months pregnant and wrote about art and motherhood....

April 2022: Art and Motherhood

How does art and motherhood work together? I’m about to have my first baby & I’ve been thinking about this over for the last nine months. I’m currently sitting on my bed at home with my dog Nina Simone snuggled at my feet. Today is my due date and I’m having all...

April 2022: Exhibition in New York City!

Thrilled to have one of my paintings accepted for an exhibition in New York City. Here we go from my London, UK studio to NYC! "In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of...." sorry, can't help myself! This song has been in my head since I received an email...

April 2022: Contemporary Irish Abstract Painter

Recently I was asked to do an interview with 'The Life of Stuff' blog about being a contemporary Irish abstract painter. Read the full article here. At my studio in Delta House Studios, SW London It's both flattering and a pleasure when someone is interested enough in...

March 2022: Large Abstract Paintings for Sale

New large abstract paintings for sale are now available from my website or please book a studio appointment if you are in the London area. Delighted to have new large abstract paintings for sale from my website again as I was almost out of stock! I have been working...

March 2022: Large modern oil paintings

In this week's live studio chat I share my newest large modern oil paintings Hello, hello! This week's live studio chat from my studio at Delta House studios here in London shows my newest large modern oil paintings. I discuss the painting processes I used and the...

March 2022: Abstract Artist 2022

Hello & welcome to my creative journal where I document my work and life as an abstract artist 2022. On my website, you will find my most recent portfolio of work which includes original abstract paintings, fine art prints & abstract paintings on paper. You...

March 2022: Large Abstract Yellow Paintings

New large abstract yellow paintings will soon be available from my website. Watch the finishing video of these works in my studio update here. Hello, Hello! This week I finished two large abstract yellow paintings, one of which is really pushing my work in a different...

Feb 22: Large Abstract Oil Paintings on Canvas

This week I chat through developments on my new large abstract oil paintings on canvas. My in-progress large abstract oil paintings on canvas have behaved a lot better this week than last week! In this video I chat through their development and the importance of...

Feb 2022: Small Original Abstract Paintings for Sale

New small original abstract paintings for sale are now available from my website! I've started a new body of work for 2022 & when beginning new work I have a process of getting under way with small paintings and scaling up as I move through the work. Below are the...

Feb 2022: Large abstract canvas art UK

On this weeks studio update, I have scaled up to make some large paintings and talk through their early stages of making- they are not going to plan! However this is all part of the painting process as I explain in my video udate. It's great to be painting large again...

Feb 2022: Original Small Abstract Art

I've finished my original small abstract art paintings and they will soon be available via my newsletter. Here is the final video on the making of these paintings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1KBtshr5iw Sharing recently finished original small abstract art...

Feb 2022: How to Explain Abstract Art

How to explain abstract art can be intricate as some people find it inaccessible or hard to relate to. In this studio update I explain and discuss the current paintings I'm workin on including painting process and techniques....

Feb 2022: Yellow Abstract Paintings

I now have yellow abstract paintings available as part of my painting portfolio. It’s taken me a while to get used to the colour yellow on my palette and here I explain why. It’s January, it’s grey outside so I figured using yellow on my palette would be a good way to...

Jan 2022: Creating Abstract Paintings

I've just begun a new body of work. Creating abstract paintings requires various paint processes and techniques which I explain and share in this video. Each week I make live studio updates from my painting studio in southwest London, UK. Through these, I share what's...

Jan 2022: How to begin a painting

How to begin a painting is a question that initiates a lot of curiosity particularly when it comes to abstract painting. In this weeks live studio update I chat about my process for making new abstract paintings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_Pi4UEzUE&t=10s...

Jan 2022: Contemporary abstract artist UK 2022

As a contemporary abstract artist uk 2022 and it been the start of a new year I thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce myself to new collectors and followers of my contemporary abstract paintings Hello, 2022! I'm looking forward to the year ahead, which...

Dec 2021: Live Studio Update/ Making more than paintings this year!

I've been making more than paintings this year, I've also been making a baby! This is my final 2021 live studio update & I sign off with some happy, personal news. I've been making more than paintings this year as I've also had a little baby growing inside me as...

Dec 2021: Live Studio Update/ / Brian Vallely, art exhibition tour

This week I’m giving you an art exhibition tour of the fabulous work of Brian Vallely live from Armagh Market Place Theatre. I first became aware of Brain Vallely's work when we exhibited together at the 2015 London Irish art exhibition held in Central Hall Museum in...

Dec 2021: Live Studio Update/ Painting Inspiration

This week I'm back in Ireland for a break from London which gives me the perfect opportunity to share my painting inspiration with you. If you have followed me for a while you will be aware of my interest and interpretations of stone landscapes and how I use these as...

Nov 2021: Live Studio Update/ Open Art Studios London at Delta House Studios

This week I'm sharing how I've set up my studio for Delta House's Open Art Studios event. This is our second open art studios event at Delta House Studios where you can come meet the makers and browse some fantastic artwork! Evening Call, 2021, oil paint on Panel £900...

Nov 2021: Me and Gordan Ramsay at the Savoy Hotel!

When Gordan Ramsay and his creative team come knocking on your studio door, you know something fun is about to happen! Gordan Ramsay at the Savoy hotel with his new restaurant 'The River Restaurant' and has selected two of my large paintings ‘Slow Time’ and...

Nov 2021: Live Studio Update/ Open art studios near me

Open art studios near me? Come and check out Delta House Studios open art studio event! Delighted we are able to have our annual open studio event again this year after having to cancel this in 2020 due to the Pandemic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI_tW-hi7Wo...

Nov 2021: Original art for sale London, UK

Hello, my name is Aisling and if you are new to my website you must be interested in contemporary abstract paintings & original art for sale London- welcome to my website! I sell my work via my website, my Instagram and from my at Delta House Studios, South-West...

Oct 2021: Live Studio Update/ Abstract Painting Techniques & Abstract Art Paintings for Sale

This week I share some paintings techniques I use and show some abstract art paintings for sale via my newletter. The paintings that will be included in my upcoming studio sale newsletter will have 50% off! These paintings were created between 2016 and 2019 and range...

Oct 2021: Live Studio Update/ How to start an abstract painting & contemporary abstract art for sale

How to start an abstract painting? Sometimes I still get a bit stuck when beginning a new painting so in this video I show you my first steps in making an abstract painting. In this weeks live studio update I share how I make an abstract painting. My approach to how I...

Oct 2021: Irish Abstract Painter

I am an Irish abstract painter based outside of my home country, why? I’m originally from Co. Clare off the west coast of Ireland. Between Covid & life stuff it’s almost two years since I was last at home but finally, I’m back again! Every time I’m home I...

Oct 2021: Live Studio Update from The Burren, Co. Clare/ What Inspires Artists?

What inspires artists? This of course varies from artist to artist but I wanted to share with you what has inspired my body of work for the last couple of years. This week's Live Studio Update is a very different one! I'm finally home after almost two years due to...

Oct 2021: Live Studio Update/ How to overcome creative block

How to overcome creative block? As an artist creative block is something I've had to learn to deal with and in this post I share my secret! How to overcome creative block? Big question! Creative block can completely inhibit your creative work and leave you feeling...

Oct 2021: What to do with a large empty wall?

I love getting DM’s and emails from people who are interested in having my paintings for their homes. The number one thing I get asked is what to do with a large empty wall? What to do with a large empty wall? Big question but there are lots of ways to fill a large...

Sept 2021: Live Studio Update/ Invited to do an interesting podcast to listen to ‘Creative Souls of Clare’

This week I'm delighted to share that I have been invited on to 'Creative Souls of Clare' which is a really interesting podcast to listen to. For this weeks studio update, I'm really flattered to be asked onto a podcast as it's a first and it's so 2021! Also, Creative...

Sept 2021: Live Studio Update/ NFT Digital Art & British Abstraction

This week Nina (my brussels griffon pooch) took ourselves into central London to see NFT digital art and British Abstraction exhibitions NFT (non fungible token) digital art is a hot topic in the art world right now. I'm thinking about converting one or two paintings...

Sept 2021: Amazing Art that Inspires Me

As an artist, I regularly get asked about my work, which artists have influenced me and what is the art that inspires me? It’s hard to give a straight answer to this as I’ve had influences since childhood as my mother Doreen Drennan is an artist. Growing up mom took...

Sept 2021: Live studio update 15 Sept 21/ New framed abstract oil paintings

Delighted to finally have my new collection of framed abstract oil paintings up on my website! In this video, I chat about my new framed abstract oil paintings and share a couple of my favourites. These framed paintings on paper were a pleasure to paint as I have not...

Sept 2021: New Small Abstract Paintings

This summer I downscaled and made a collection of small abstract paintings which has prooved to be a great painting experience! These works on paper have a real lightness to them that I enjoyed playing with because finding 'lightness' in painting is an element I've...

Sept 2021: Live Studio Update Sept 2 Sept 2021/ Creative Process Steps

This week I had a question about my creative process steps and how I make a painting. Process is a big part of my painting practice and I'm more than happy to share some elements of this with you! In this video I show the initial creative process steps I take to make...

Aug 2021: Live Studio Update 25 Aug 2021/ contemporary abstract art for sale

Hello, this is my weekly live studio update and this week I have some contemporary abstract art for sale! In this weeks video, I share some recent small abstract paintings that will look fantastic once framed up. I'm offering these at £200 each and in this clip, I...

Aug 2021: Studio Update/ Van Gogh Alive London

Hello from beautiful Kensington Gardens! It's time for my weekly live studio update & for a change, I'm out of my studio to see the Van Gogh Alive London show. This is a very different way to view artwork and I fully appreciate a lot of amazing tech work has been...

August 2021: London Art fair / Roy’s Art fair

Sooo I’m not new to the London art fair calendar but I am new to showing at an artist-led art fair. This month I am exhibiting at Roy’s art fair (12-15 Aug) in the barge house at the Oxo Tower on London’s beautiful South-Bank (sweet location!). At my...

July 2021: Live Studio Update/ Good News! Small Abstract Paintings for Sale

This week I'm sharing a collection of recently finished small abstract paintings for sale. These paintings are £200 each and will be available through my newsletter next week. You can sign up for my newsletter via the pop-up form or see below for details. If you're...

July 2021: Live Studio update/ London Exhibitions 2021-The Loneliness of the Soul with Tracy Emin and Edvard Munch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAj53HOrppA The Loneliness of the Soul Welcome to my weekly studio update except for this time I'm not in my studio. Instead, I'm at the Royal Academy of Arts to see one of the major London exhibitions 2021 The Loneliness of the Soul...

July 2021: On being a Contemporary Irish Artist in London

How did I become a contemporary Irish artist in London? Recently I had a zoom interview in my studio with Mathew from London Irish Stories about being a contemporary Irish artist in London. London Irish Stories is a community-led mixed-media project collecting and...

July 2021: Live Studio Update/ Painting Processes & Affordable Art Fair Battersea 2021

This week I chat about the -Affordable Art Fair Battersea 2021 for which I have paintings on show with The Graham Hunter Gallery, - getting back into painting after finishing my last series of paintings - and the importance of painting processes within my painting...

July 2021: Live update from my London, UK art studio/ Affordable Art Fair Battersea 2021

This week I share work that has been selected for exhibition with the Graham Hunter Gallery during the Affordable Art Fair Battersea 2021 next week. The paintings that will be on show are from my latest series of original abstract paintings- have a preview here. When...

June 2021: New series of original abstract paintings!

Three months ago I began a new series of original abstract paintings that I've virtually shared as lockdown had cancelled open studio visits and exhibitions- it's been quite the journey! I decided to be very open and share the making of these new paintings with the...

June 2021: How I began selling original abstract art online

I began selling my original abstract art online after I graduated from Centre for Creative Arts & Media, GMIT and before moving to London, UK to do my Masters in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, UAL. The first painting I sold was through a gallery in the...

June 2021: Interview with Clare Champion Newspaper/ Up and Coming Visual Artist

As an up and coming visual artist living outside of my home country, it’s always a pleasure to receive support and recognition from home. Last week the Clare Champion, which is the newspaper of Co. Clare on the west coast of Ireland where I’m from wrote a feature on...

May 2021: Gifting art- What to buy an art lover?

Sometimes finding an unusual gift can be daunting particularly if it's for someone close to you and you want to really surprise them with something different! An original abstract painting or abstract art print is unique and thoughtful because few gifts are more...

May 2021: Understanding Abstract Art

Understanding abstract art can be tricky for many because it is diverse, multifaceted & can be considered inaccessible. Over the years I've had people ask me why did I select this particular genre of art? Let's have a chat about it... There's a few reasons why...

April 2021: How to start buying art?

What got me thinking about this? Over the last two years, I’ve had many new art buyers come to my studio (in between lockdowns) or get in touch online about how to start buying art. Now, perhaps more than ever, people are looking to fill their homes with points of...

April 2021: Artist Interview with the Irish Times/ When art is just a click away

This post is about a recent interview I did with the Irish Times discussing life as an artist during Covid and how this has had a massive impact on the online art sales market. Online galleries are more present than ever with a growing number of artists setting up their own online footprint to sell art online

April 2021: Blank Canvas Paralysis

Blank Canvas Paralysis is referenced as the inability to start something because of self-doubt- I can relate! A while back a blog interviewer asked me ‘What's the most difficult part of starting a painting?’ Me, ‘The white square I know I have to fill and make...

March 2021: Life of an artist- Art student to Full Time Artist, my story… an insight so far!

This week I was asked to chat to the upcoming graduates of GMIT/CCAM about life of as an artist and what I've learned so far. I completed my undergrad degree in Fine Art at CCAM ten years ago and felt humbled to be asked to share my path so far. Some of the areas I...

March 2021: Artist Photoshoot

Last week I did a studio artist photoshoot with the lovely Jane Looker. I just got my images back and had to share this one with Nina Simone #cutenessoverload! As an artist, I think it’s really important to not only document my work but also document myself in my...

March 2021: Listed as one of eight Female Irish Contemporary Artists to watch 2021!

Wow, I've been listed as one of "Eight Contemporary Irish Female artists to fall in love with" by @mayday.mag. What a compliment and I'm in great company being listed with some fantastic artists to watch for 2021. This is my first interview with an American...

March 2021: Painting with Masking Tape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poQaQbmL7Nc One of the consistent tools in my painting practice is masking tape. I have been painting with masking tape since I began my fine art studies in 2007 which seems like a very long time ago now! Not only is it an essential...

March 2021: Knowing when to stop painting.

I often get asked about knowing when to stop painting as it is an element of creating that plagues many artists. I think knowing when to stop painting is something you learn over time but to give you an idea see the below image. It's from early 2019 & I'm working...

Feb 2021: Virtual Studio tour with Cass Art

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgxqltqRnuU Cass Art very kindly invited me to do a virtual studio tour for them, which was a first for me! Here you can see me chatting about my painting practice as an abstract artist including my paint process, my painting story and...

Feb 2021: How to buy art, where to buy art and how to learn about the artist?

How to buy art? Recently I was chatting with a collector of my work who wanted to learn more about buying art direct from the artist & how to buy original art online. It was one of those how-to/ where to buy art chats as well as how to learn about the artist who...

Feb 2021: Contemporary abstract art prints for sale

Contemporary abstract art prints for sale from my website! Buying a print over an original painting is a great way to begin or add to your art collection. Mid last year I updated my website and decided that offering prints of my paintings would be fun to try. I began...

Jan 2021: Simple Qualities of a Good Artist

It’s January, it’s baltic outside and the UK has just gone into Lockdown for the third time since March. I'm thinking about the year ahead, I'm thinking about how other artists are fairing during Covid & I'm thinking about the qualities of a good artist, the...

Dec 2020: Practical Materials used in Art

Fabriano is one of those great practical materials used in art that has become a mainstay in my painting practice. Recently I was posting some paintings made on Fabriano which prompted a question via my Instagram ‘What is Fabriano?’ Fabriano is a type of paper that I...

Dec 2020: Bespoke Christmas Present

Being the time of year it is I’ve received inquiries about buying paintings as a bespoke Christmas present- what a gift to receive! Here are a few things to consider if you think an original painting might be something someone close to you would enjoy receiving. ...

Nov 2020: Preparatory paintings

This month I have been making lots of preparatory painting studies. They're like little experiments to work out new paint marks and test out varying colours for final work. I've worked like this for years, its a big part of my painting process that I really enjoy...

Oct 2020: New Website!

Wahoo my brand spanking new website is live! You can check it out here https://aislingdrennan.com New available paintings and prints and a nice addition of painting studies.

Sept 2020: Selected for the Royal Ulster Academy of Art

Twice I’ve been shortlisted for the Royal Ulster Academy’s annual exhibition but finally I’ve had a painting accepted! ‘Leap’, 2019 will be part of this much respected exhibition now in it’s 139th year. Sometimes when I’m reapplying for shows year to year without...

August 2020: The Things You Forget

So @cassart1984 recently invited me to do a blog interview with them. What a compliment as I’ve been trotting in and out of their stores and buying their products since I moved to London almost 8 years ago. You can read the interview here:...

July 2020: Arts Bursary Award Winner!

You know when you get some good news, like really good news? Well I had one of those days today! I am thrilled to be a 2020 Arts Bursary Award recipient from the Women's Irish Network (WIN) in conjunction with the UK Irish Embassy. This news has just...

June 2020: Green and Me

Last month I did a live IGTV interview with @artfullysorted discussing my painting practice. It was the first time I had done an instagram interview and what I really liked is that you could see other users joining and asking questions. One asked 'Why is blue so...

May 2020: Back in my studio after Covid lockdown

I was able to get back in to my studio this month which felt great. I was lucky to be able to do some small bits 'n' bobs of painting at home but nothing beats having your own space to get really stuck in and not be worried about getting paint everywhere! Working at...

April 2020: #ArtistSupportPledge

I wanted to let you know that I am participating in #artistsupportpledge. If you are not aware of this it's a simple concept that is happening internationally to support the creative industry. Artists commit to selling work at a reduced rate of £200 (plus p&p)....

April 2020: Home Art Studio during Covid_19

We are living through a global pandemic and its having a serious affect. It's a difficult time but it is important to keep safe and adjust. It's been over a month since I've been able to get to my studio. I live in a small apartment and don't have space to set up a...

March 2020: The Importance of Doodling!

In my practice it's important to take time to sit and doodle in my visual diary. When I do this I allow my mind to wander and new ideas start to emerge. Doodling is play-full and its this element of playfulness that helps my work develop. It also warms up my hand and...

March 2020: Interview with ‘Crow of Minerva’ Blog

A couple of months back I did an interview with 'Crow of Minerva' which is a blog that highlights women in the contemporary art world. https://www.crowofminerva.com here you can read about my career to date as an artist, the decisions I've made and mistakes I've...

Feb 2020: Solo Art Exhibition titled ‘Skellig’ at the Graham Hunter Gallery

Solo exhibition at the Graham Hunter Gallery Skellig 2nd- 15th March PV Thursday 5th March 6.30-8.30pm 81 Baker StreetLondonW1U 6RQ This exhibition at the Graham Hunter Gallery, Marylebone, London encompasses recent paintings completed during an awarded...

Jan 2020: Then & Now…. 2010-2020!

It's the 3rd of January and I'm sat in my studio thinking over the last decade- that then and now chat most of us have at this time of year. To jog my memory I flicked through my visual diary from 2010 when I was in the final year of my undergrad. in fine art in...

Nov 2019: Chester Art Fair November 15-17 2019

I’m dipping a curious paintbrush in to the world of art fairs and exhibiting at the 2019 Chester art fair in the north of England. It's something I have being considering for a while and thought would be fun to do outside of London. I’ll be in stand 7, block 4. All...

Oct 2019: London Artists Open studios

It's October which means its Open Studio time at Delta House Studios! I have had a studio at Delta House since Sept 2018 and this will be my second open studio here. It’s a great event where you can meet the makers in our studio, chat and have any questions you have...

June 2019: Residency complete- what an experience!

If anyone reading is thinking about doing a residency I would absolutely recommend it! Last year I applied to Cill Rialaig Artist Residency in Co. Kerry, Ireland as I had heard a lot of good things about it plus it’s a part of Ireland I don’t know that well. Also at...

This is a first!

Last year I was really pleased to be selected for a residency at Cill Rialaig arts centre in Co.Kerry, Ireland. Since receiving the notification email offering me a place I’ve been making notes on how I want to spend my time there because this is my first residency...

Painting commissions

I'm regularly asked if I do commissions and yes, I do! The above painting 'Steadied Thinking' was my first 2019 commission for an American collector. It's a great compliment to be commissioned for a private collection and I really enjoyed making this painting. How do...

New website!