Jim Kinch
Jim Kinch was born in Dundalk, Co. Louth. He studied in Dundalk Technical College with Belfast painter Hugh McCormick. He was active in local art in the 1970's, being founder and chair of the Dundalk Art Forum.
Jim and his family moved to South Australia in 1973 where he was able to live his dream life next to the sea and the beach, both of which were his greatest sources of inspiration.
Painting mostly in isolation, he developed a strong impressionist style. This evolved into a ‘figurative expressionism’ style, an ideal vehicle for his chosen subjects of life and action. Jim brought art into the popular arena and it was said, "he does not paint feathers, he paints flight". He was heavily influenced by Jack Yeats, John Singer Sargent and America's Leroy Neiman, with the figurative influence of Toulouse Lautrec.
In 1990 he started to exhibit in group exhibitions, and became a regular prizewinner. These prizes were instrumental in gaining invitations to hold solo exhibitions, and success here was a factor in his decision to become a full time painter in 1997. A career in design and marketing give him regular opportunities to visit the great art galleries, and gave him constant involvement with most aspects of the visual arts.
With many Australian and overseas exhibitions to his credit, including two sell-outs in Ireland, Jim said, "I need to succeed to insure that I have the opportunity to continue to develop my work. It is this journey that I enjoy that interests me." This down to earth approach, and the variety of his subject matter, ensured his popularity for Artist's Workshops, and ever increasing demand from collectors and corporate clients in a number of countries.
Jim Kinch passed away in 2016.
Artist's Statement
Why the urge to create or paint? Like the need to read, write, play the piano, sing or even just play, painting is an escape to a magic world, where the mind is free, without any constraints, except your ability, materials and imagination. What other activity could let you wander through the magic scenery of Ireland, the canals of Venice, an outback pub, a golden beach and a race meeting all in one day, without leaving the studio? Long many the urge last.
Selected Exhibitions
2006 Solo Exhibition The Kenny Gallery, Galway, Ireland
2003 Solo Exhibition The Kenny Gallery, Galway, Ireland
Solo Exhibition Dundalk, Ireland
Rainall Fine Art, London
Kensington Gallery Anniversary Exhibition
Zanadu Exhibition, Western Australia
2002 Commission - Hong Kong
Solo Exhibition in Delshan Gallery, Melbourne
Solo Exhibition Kensington Gallery, Adelaide
2001 Solo Exhibition in Gallery Without Pier, Melbourne
Continuous Exhibition in Qantas Lounges
Solo Exhibition in Butlers House Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
Group Exhibition - The Art of Hurling, The Kenny Gallery, Galway. One image was selected for the promotional poster
2000 Solo Exhibition in Gallery Without Pier, Melbourne
Continuous mixed exhibitions in Qantas Lounges
Solo Exhibition in Newry, Northern Ireland
Solo Exhibition Delshan Gallery, Melbourne
Solo Exhibition Kensington Gallery, Adelaide
Solo Exhibition Tomlinson Gallery, Adelaide
