Clonmany artist Mary Crowley found peace in painting after illness

Just outside Clonmany in Inishowen, where the hills of Urris meet the wild Atlantic, artist Mary Crowley has found her peace.

A warm, fun-loving woman with a heart as vibrant as her paintings, she has embraced watercolour art not just as a creative outlet but as a form of solace and joy.

Mary’s inspiring journey, filled with perseverance and passion, highlights how painting – or any creative pursuit - can serve as a sanctuary from life’s stresses, offering a peaceful escape and a connection to something greater.

A life-changing moment 

Mary’s artistic journey began in 2012 during a difficult period in her life. Following a serious illness, her doctors encouraged her to find a hobby that would help her relax.

“My cardiologist wasn’t impressed when I told him I had taken up watercolours” she laughs.

“As an oil painter himself, he joked that watercolours would give me a heart attack!”

But despite the light-hearted warning, Mary fell in love with the medium instantly.

“The moment I picked up a paintbrush, my life changed, I felt like I had come home. It connected me to something I had never experienced before.”As a self-taught artist, Mary had her fair share of struggles.

“The biggest challenge was the frustration – wanting to be brilliant straight away! I kept making the same mistakes because I had no one to correct me.” But through perseverance, trial, and error, she developed her own distinct style, embracing the soft light and vibrant hues that watercolours so effortlessly bring to life.

Inspired by the land and sea 

Mary’s surroundings in Clonmany provide her with endless inspiration. From the rugged hills of Urris to the secluded beaches and hidden coves, she is drawn to the quiet beauty of the landscape.

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“I love those special, peaceful spots,” she says. “There’s a magic to them, and I try to capture that in my paintings.”Her artwork often features seascapes, boats, and buildings, reflecting her deep connection to the sea. “Sometimes, the urge to paint waves, rocks, and tidal pools is too strong to resist – even when I have commissions waiting!” she admits. “Living by the coast, I find so much comfort in the sound of the waves. I’ll often sit on the rocks sketching, just absorbing the ever-changing light.”

A sanctuary of creativity 

Mary’s studio serves as both a workspace and a gallery, where visitors are always welcome. “It’s my sanctuary,” she smiles. “It’s filled with light, stacks of Arches watercolour paper, messy drawers full of paints, and, most importantly, a kettle for the endless cups of tea!” And no studio would be complete without a little assistant - her dog, Milo, is always nearby, eagerly awaiting treats in exchange for his ‘help.’

A new chapter 

The past year has been a whirlwind for Mary, both personally and professionally. In April 2024, she married her partner, artist and sculptor John O’Connor, in a celebration surrounded by loved ones. Just months later, she became a grandmother for the first time to baby Theo.

“Becoming a Nana is just wonderful,” she beams. Alongside these personal milestones, Mary’s artwork is reaching new heights.

She exhibited in the Errigal Arts Festival at Artlink Fort Dunree, showcasing her collection The Hills of Donegal, and her work was also displayed at Belfast Gaol with the Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA). In August 2023, she was awarded full membership to the USWA, an honour she describes as “truly special”.

Looking ahead 

After a busy 2024 filled with commissions, Mary is eager to dedicate more time to her personal work in 2025. “My mind is bursting with ideas – I need to get them onto paper!” she says excitedly. 

Mary’s artwork is available through www.irishhands.com - a new platform dedicated to supporting and promoting artists and creative makers from Inishowen and the North West. 

“I love that my paintings can bring a little piece of Donegal into someone’s home,” she says. “Each one is made with love.

”Mary’s inspiring story is a reminder to everyone that taking up painting or a creative pursuit can be a powerful way to find peace, purpose, and fulfilment, no matter where life takes you.

To explore Mary’s watercolours, visit www.irishhands.com/store/mary-crowley-art.