Simon Kenny is an Irish contemporary artist known for atmospheric abstract paintings that explore light, colour, energy and emotion. Born in Dublin, his fascination with art began in childhood and developed through years of experimentation into the distinctive style of lyrical abstraction for which he is now known.
Working with oils, acrylics and mixed media, Simon builds luminous layers of colour alongside expressive, heavily textured marks. His influences range from cosmology and powerful natural phenomena to psychology and music, giving his paintings an extraordinary sense of movement and depth.
Although his compositions can suggest distant horizons, oceans or vast celestial landscapes, they deliberately avoid depicting a particular place. Instead, Simon uses abstraction to create an emotional atmosphere, leaving each viewer free to discover something personal within the painting.
LIGHT | ENERGY | EMOTION
From Darkness into Light
Light and darkness sit at the heart of Simon Kenny’s paintings. Deep, atmospheric colour provides the foundation from which areas of luminosity emerge — sometimes as a distant glow, sometimes as an intense burst of energy across the canvas.
The effect can feel celestial, suggesting vast skies, oceans, nebulae or forces of nature without resolving into a particular place. Simon’s fascination with cosmology and powerful natural phenomena feeds directly into this visual language, giving his paintings their extraordinary sense of scale.
Yet the subject is ultimately emotional rather than literal. Light becomes a way of creating atmosphere, tension and optimism — transforming darkness into something altogether more uplifting.
Building the Painting
Simon’s paintings evolve rather than follow a predetermined plan. Soft, luminous underpainting establishes depth before stronger layers of oil and acrylic, transparent glazes and textured palette-knife marks begin to build across the surface.
There’s an interesting balance between control and instinct. Some passages are quiet and almost weightless; others are physical, heavily worked and full of movement.
Simon describes the process as a journey of discovery, allowing the painting itself to determine when it is complete. It helps explain why the finished works feel spontaneous despite the considerable technique involved in creating their depth and luminosity.
Painting Beyond the Landscape
There is often something strangely familiar within a Simon Kenny painting. A horizontal break might resemble a distant horizon; a pool of light can suggest a sunset, an ocean or something altogether more cosmic.
But Simon deliberately leaves those associations unresolved. His influences range from cosmology and natural forces to psychology and music. Ambient and electronic music also form part of his studio practice, with rhythm, harmony and crescendos influencing the way a composition develops.
Rather than telling the viewer what they are looking at, Simon creates the atmosphere and leaves them to find their own meaning within it.
Discover More Artists
Interested in Simon Kenny?
Thinking about adding a Simon Kenny artwork to your collection?
Whether you have a particular piece in mind or would simply like some help exploring Simon’s work, our art consultants are here to help. We can provide additional images and video, discuss original paintings and limited editions, framing and delivery, or help you find the right piece for your space.