Kevin Heffernan

Working mainly outdoors, I draw and paint directly from observation. I use oils on a range of supports—from paper, birch ply to aluminium—choosing materials that suit the subject rather than conforming to a singular style. Painting alla prima encourages spontaneity, allowing me to capture a scene in one sitting before the light shifts.

My drawing practice includes working with graphite, pastels, wax, ink, and latex on paper, Yupo, Sumi-e, or in sketchbooks. I often develop notans and observational sketches, which can either stand alone or serve as research for studio-based paintings in oil, gouache, acrylic, or pastel on various substrates.

Light and movement are central to my work—more than photographic precision as my aim is to express a sense of place. I strive to convey atmosphere and emotion: to evoke not just how a place looks, but how it feels to be there