Artist opens his latest exhibition in Crossgar

29 October 2014

KILLYLEAGH artist Leo Casement has opened a new exhibition of work in Crossgar.

The new collection will feature some of Leo’s famous equine paintings along with some rural scenes.

Titles include ‘Horse & Hounds’, ‘Claret Chorus’, ‘Harvest Tipple’ and ‘Lady Daydream’.

Leo started painting at an early age and excelled at art during his school days. After leaving school he went to Dublin to paint portraits and street scenes as a living.

He then moved to London and France, continuing to paint before returning home to Ireland.

Leo had his first successful exhibition in Downpatrick in 1977. However, he felt he wasn’t finished travelling and left again for France. He travelled through Europe and ended up in Spain, eventually settling in Marbella for a period of time.

Returning to Northern Ireland in the early 90s, he had built for himself a considerable reputation and was in demand for commissions and exhibitions, leading to numerous prizes for his horse paintings.

In recent years Leo has won many prestigious awards including the Anna Cheyne Award for the first artwork to be accepted for Lisburn City and the Northern Art Prize.

The exhibition at James Nicholson Wine Merchant in Crossgar runs until November 1 and can be viewed from 10am to 7pm.

“I would like to thank James Nicholson and his staff for hosting this event, and Sammy Daye for his work framing my art,” said Leo.

“I hope you find the exhibition of my work both inspiring and enjoyable.”

A percentage of sales will go to Youth Action NI.

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