Irish country legend Roly Daniels has swapped his microphone for a paint brush and is all set for his first art exhibition in Donegal which opens tonight (Fri).
He has teamed up with well known local artist, Marina Hamilton, for a joint exhibition in Downings. A collection of their original paintings and sculpture will go on show at the Rosapenna Golf Pavillon.
Roly, whose wife is from the seaside resort, has always had a passion for painting but this will be the first time his work has gone on public display.
“Painting was always a great escape for me but I could never find the time to pursue it properly while I was on the road singing,” he explained.
One of Roly’s paintings.
“Such was my love of art that I used to do small sketches when I was signing autographs after shows. But, it was only when I took a break three years ago that I was able to devote more time to my art. It was also a great help in getting through the covid pandemic as all of sudden I had lots of free time at home to paint during the lockdowns.”
But it was only after meeting Marina at an art show in Dublin that the pair thought about a joint exhibition.
“I first spotted Marina’s paintings in the Rosapenna Hotel many years ago and I was very impressed,” added Roly.
“Then by chance we met at the RDS in Dublin where Marina was exhibiting and we spent hours talking about our shared passions including art, horses and our love of Downings where my wife Sarah is from.”
A painting by Donegal artist, Marina Hamilton.
They also discovered another connection as Marina explains.
“We both had a close mutual friend, Roly’s brother in law Terry Casey, who trained a Grand National winner,” she said.
“I spent some time with Terry at his yard in England and painted Rough Quest, his Grand National winner. It is very fitting that the Casey family are hosting our joint exhibition next week in the Rosapenna pavilion.”
Marina says she was very impressed with Roly’s paintings and was delighted to be exhibiting together.
“I think many of his fans will be surprised to see his other hidden talent. He is an excellent painter and has a great eye for colour and detail.” She said
The exhibition entitled Turf and Surf opens tonight, Friday July 28th at 7.30 in the Rosapenna Golf Pavillion and runs to August 6th.
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