Derry artist Paul Kelly unveils new solo fine art exhibition

Paul Kelly, a painter continuing the renowned artistic legacy of his father, William Kelly of The Bogside Artists, has unveiled his latest collection of work.

The exhibition, entitled “With Peace and Light”, is open to the public at UV Arts Centre - Garden of Reflection Galleryand and will continue until Saturday, December 6, 2025.

In Kelly’s fifth solo exhibition, he shares his fascination with landscapes, quirky stone architecture and lighting. He uses bold acrylic colours with simplistic brushstrokes to reveal the organic shapes of the Irish countryside and the texture of old cobbled houses creating a nostalgic feeling through an uncompromising, purposely placed brush that reflects a journey through his own artistic endeavour and faith.

Kelly paints from light to dark; using the shadow tones to carve out the shapes and highlights of the scene, which allows the lighter colours to shine through organically in areas where they may have been hidden. Just like how lighter coloured straw may show from underneath darker straw on the thatched roofs Kelly loves to paint. 

On display on the walls of this gallery are Kelly’s paintings, born from an eagerness to learn, show the patience and faith in himself and God, and his ability to create works that reflect his outlook on the land.

Kelly expresses that without his faith in God, and the support from his Mother and Step-Father Michael O’Donnell, that he would not be able to create these paintings that are proudly displayed today.

Drawing from the lessons he received from The Bogside Artists, Kelly was able to transform these once blank canvases into a story of his journey in art. The lessons he learned from his mentors are seen with every stroke and dab of the brush and Kelly’s perseverance in his work is inspiring to see, showing the story of a man forging a path ahead in new and untested waters.

Each painting is a breath of fresh air, capturing the picturesque scenes that many of us are familiar with and showing us that with enough patience and perseverance that if we want to learn or do something, that all of us are capable.

Acclaimed Irish folk artist Cara Dillon pays emotional tribute to late mother

The Dungiven-born star is mourning the loss of her beloved mother Teresa, who passed away earlier today

Derry initiative launched to give new purpose to old paint

Repair & Share Foyle launches 'Legenderry Colours' paint project to tackle 50 million litre waste challenge

The UV Art Gallery, located at 16 Bishops Street, is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday from 12noon - 5.00pm. The exhibition runs until Saturday, December 6, 2025.