About Me
- Mark O'Keeffe
- Dublin, Ireland
- Portraiture is the process of creating the illusion of a personality, mood, set of thoughts and facial expressions, with the resources of just two dimensions and a pencil. Integral to this is the necessity of accuracy and technical near-perfection. The challenge of achieving this is a tough one. But this makes it all the more exhilerating as you realise that it is a challenge that you seem to be over-coming. Portraiture is a challenge that I relish.
Apollo Gallery, Dublin.
In late 2009, my work began to go on display and sale in the Apollo Gallery, Dublin. My portraits that were displayed there included those of Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and Michael Collins.
The Art Fair, 10 - 13 December 2009
Over the weekend of 10 - 13 December 2009, I took part in 'The Art Fair' in the Nora Dunne Gallery in Dublin. This was curated by Karen Harper, and was a great success! Present were nearly 60 artists and a wide variety of art. Thanks to everybody who came!
Presentation of my work to Pope Benedict XVI by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
During his visit to the Vatican on 7 July 2005, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern presented Pope Benedict XVI with a portrait that I drew of him. This was the pope's first meeting with a European head of government. In the past, Bertie Ahern has also presented my work to Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Ian Paisley. Also, he arranged to have my work sent to Nelson Mandela.
Presentation of portrait to John Hume.
On 11 October 2001, I presented the then S.D.L.P. leader and Nobel Laureate, John Hume, with a portrait that I drew of John F. Kennedy, a man from whom he drew much inspiration.
Portrait of Michael Collins in the office of former Taoiseach John Bruton.
In October 2002, I presented the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, with a portrait of the Irish revolutionary, Michael Collins. This photo, from the magazine 'Irish Entrepreneur', shows the portrait displayed in the office of John Bruton.
Marilyn Monroe portrait
This portrait of Marilyn Monroe was drawn in 2006. In ensuring that the hair was accurately constructed, it was important to refrain from spending too much time on parts of it. This was achieved by instead concentrating on creating a slightly darkened background. This technique took advantage of the perceptual cue known as interposition.
Norman Wisdom
On 11 July 2004, I was delighted to be able to present Sir Norman Wisdom with a portrait that I drew of him. I met him at the 13th Irish Classic & Vintage Car Show at Terenure College in Dublin. Norman Wisdom, a hugely talented actor, comedian, muscian and boxer, was that year's guest of honour at the annual event.
Drawing animals
I also enjoy drawing animals - they're much less fussy subjects than people!!!!
Robert Ballagh
On 8 August 2006, I presented the renowned Irish artist, Robert Ballagh, with a portrait of Alfred Hitchcock at the Irish Film Institute. He was introducing Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' for the Bernard Hermann Film Festival that was then taking place. Robert Ballagh is a hugely successful and talented artist, and his work has appeared on numerous stamps, banknotes and book covers.
Eamon de Valera portrait
In 2004, I sent this portrait of Eamon de Valera to his son, Terry de Valera. Of this portrait, Mr. de Valera said that it was 'a very fine representation of the character of my late father and one of the very best and finest amateur drawings of my father which I have seen for many, many a year.'
Presentation of portrait to President Mary McAleese.
On 20 January 2009, I had the honour of presenting a portrait of President Mary McAleese to her in Dublin. Mary McAleese has been President of Ireland since 1997.
Drawing of Desmond FitzGerald
In 2006, I presented this drawing of the former Irish Minister for External Affairs and revolutionary, Desmond FitzGerald, to his son, former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, at his home in Dublin.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
On 16 February 2009, I presented Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Capetown and Nobel Laureate, with a drawing that I had done of him. He told me that I 'got his nose right', before laughing out loud with delight.
Presentation of portrait to British Prime Minister Tony Blair by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
On 9 March 2007, during an E.U. meeting in Brussels, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern presented the then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, with a portrait that I drew of him. This was to be one of the last meetings of the two heads of government before Tony Blair left office soon after.
Presentation of portrait to Luan Parle
On 9 March 2008, I presented top Irish singer/songwriter, Luan Parle, with a portrait that I drew of her. Luan's music can be heard at www.myspace.com/luanparle.
Samuel Beckett portrait
This portrait of Samuel Beckett was drawn in 2009. His face is an example of the type that I enjoy drawing most. With such a construct that is laden with detail, I am presented with an opportunity to contrast various degrees of depth and light.
Portrait of Edmund Hillary
This portrait of Edmund Hillary is a favourite of mine, as the level of detail in the face provided me with an opportunity to make it look real. The sudden contrast between pure black and pure white helped me to create a real sense of a third dimension being present. Of the portrait that was received by him, Hillary said that 'it is an excellent likeness - much better than most of the professional pictures that constantly reach me.'
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