‘The paintings come alive': How Co Down artist's unconventional painting method is mesmerising TikTok

Irish Independent

3 days ago

Kathryn Callaghan created a portrait in honour of the Holywood star completing golf's grand slam earlier this year with victory at the Masters — and her unique technique is earning her thousands of views on TikTok.
Instead of using a paintbrush or a palette knife, Kathryn pours an inky mixture directly onto the canvas from a height, something she picked up almost by accident in college and has since made her own.
While retaining poise and control as the ink falls into place, there is inevitably indiscriminate splatter as the liquid meets the canvas.
Kathryn says: 'It might seem strange, but this technique allows me to work fast and gesturally, freeing me from the constraints of a sub-sketch. Gravity has as much to do with the process as anything.
'There is energy harnessed as the ink falls from bottle to the surface and just enough of an element of losing control to allow the ink to make its own unplanned marks.
'The paintings come alive from this raw beauty and the real energy that is injected into each piece.'
In 2009, Kathryn returned to education at Belfast Metropolitan College to study fine art, and it was here that she embraced the pouring technique.
She adds: 'Someone had donated some art supplies to the college, and I was rummaging through the box to see what was in there.
'I decided to pour some ink onto wax paper to try to create a painting of a damselfly.
'When I took the painting to my tutor, she immediately recognised it as a damselfly and, since then, after some experimenting to ensure the right consistency, I have been using this technique.'
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Kathryn's love of golf courses was the catalyst for one of her recent roles as a judge for Tourism Northern Ireland's art competition for primary and secondary pupils.
The young people were encouraged to come up with original artworks that represent what the people and places of Northern Ireland mean to them, and how they want their home to be seen by global golf fans.
Kathryn was joined on the judging panel by Naomi Waite, Tourism NI's director of marketing, Fran Porter, arts and cultural facilities officer with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and Miller Cornelius, brand manager at The R&A.
The winning designs will be on public display in Belfast and Portrush and used as part of Tourism NI's welcome for visitors to the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush later this month.
Kathryn said it was a privilege to be able to judge the competition, with the quality of the entries consistently excellent.
She says: 'There was so much talent. It was clear that the young people put their heart and soul into the competition and the standard was outstanding.
'The creativity was incredible and what stood out was that the entries were a real celebration of Northern Ireland, representing all that is great about this place.
'Displaying the winning artwork will be a lovely way to welcome visitors to the 153rd Open, while the competition has helped stir a real interest in the event with young people.'
Kathryn has also just completed a series of works celebrating Northern Ireland's rich golfing heritage which will be on display at The Bushmills Inn throughout July as The Open takes place at Royal Portrush.
The series of 13 paintings features scenes from Royal Portrush, Royal Belfast, Royal County Down, Ardglass and other courses.
In addition, the six winning artworks from the Tourism NI competition will be on display to showcase the tremendous talent of our young people and excitement for the return of The Open.
Kathryn says: 'I would have loved to be a golfer, I've taken several lessons, but I have had to accept that my talents lie elsewhere.
'Travelling to the courses throughout last winter was a brilliant experience.
'There was always someone there to give you a warm welcome and explain what was special about each place. For me, it was about trying to capture the essence of each course — that's what I want to put onto the page when I am pouring.
'I want people to be able to look at the painting and be able to close their eyes and feel transported to that place. We have so many stunning courses, especially our links courses. They are just beautiful places to be and visitors coming here for the first time just can't believe what special places they are.
'For example, when you think of Royal Portrush, it's that mix of the wild ocean and seagrass set against the contrast of the manicured greens.
'Golf courses in Northern Ireland are like a basket of treats for visitors; you can select a different world-class venue to play every day and you aren't travelling for hours to get there — they are all in close proximity.'
Northern Ireland has provided the inspiration for a number of Kathryn's works and last summer she launched the Kathryn Callaghan NI Art Trail which encouraged fans of her work to travel to various locations to view the original pieces.
The paintings included scenes from Bloody Bridge just outside Newcastle, the Mournes from Murlough, Strangford village, Bangor Pier, the Glens of Antrim, Ballintoy Harbour, Causeway Rocks and White Rocks from Magheracross Viewpoint, West Strand, Portrush and Benone Strand.
Kathryn adds: 'From memories of childhood holidays to inspiration for adventures to come, the paintings encouraged people to get out and embrace Northern Ireland's giant spirit.'