About Des Murrie
...exactitude to a more expressive and evocative style of applying paint has resulted in Des being recognised as on of Ireland's more influential artists.
His work has always been driven by drawing. A fact that was recognised when he attended the Goldsmith College of Art in London in 1975 where tutors were struck immediately by the strength of his drawings.
In recent years however, Des has moved away from 'life' drawing and has truly begun to work imaginatively, using stronger colours, which are noticeable in the horse riders he depicts, and are also evident in his larger paintings.
In his work, Des invariably captures the atmosphere, excitement and apprehension of the people and horses he paints. Rather than a mundane scene, Des likes to paint "en plein air" thereby capturing the spontaneity of the movement. He has a particular love of painting charging horses, he enjoys the electric feeling and is excited by horses and mounts jumping fences, or running down the straight - an energy that is clearly reflected in his work.
A member of the Society of Equestrian Artists 1975, and the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts 1989 - 1992, Des Murrie has not gone without recognition. In 1992 he was awarded 'Most Creative Painter' in the Moyclare Stud Stakes art competition.
Internationally recognised, his work is in many private and corporate collections around the world, including America, Germany, France, Canada, South Africa, Australia and of course the U.K. In Ireland, his paintings grace the walls of top hotels, including the Great Southern Hotel group, Radisson Hotels, Stand Hotel Kildare and also at the Gerry O'Brian Coolmore Stud Farm.
Des Murrie's popularity both in Ireland and internationally, proves that his work is a "must have" for art collectors world wide.
Des's relation ship with the Old House Gallery's Dick Clarke, has made Des an established 'gallery' artist, and given Dick the enviable task of the 'odd trip to Ireland' to replenish the 'Murrie' stocks.
Des is widower to artist Marie Carroll, who is herself a big name on Ireland's art scene.