Vote For Newry Artist at Feile An Phobail

On 20 July 2025, Local Newry Artist (Joe Galbraith) painted Divis Mountain during a four-hour outdoor challenge on Landscape Artist of the Year 2025 in association with ” Feile An Phobail”. Working from his signature blend of realism infused with contemporary elements, he aimed to translate the mountain’s austere, shifting moods into a painting that speaks both to its heritage and to fleeting light and Atmosphere.  

He aimed to capture the tension of the Mountain, dramatic skies, warm sunlight beneath the horizon and the subtle rebirth of greens and golds in the slopes.

His approach is grounded in detailed observation—recording textures and shapes with precision—and then stepping back to allow painterly gestures and abstract suggestion to breathe space and emotion into the composition. As he applied the final strokes, he thought of Divis not merely as a landscape but as a living entity—its geology, its history, its presence creating an emotive atmosphere and finished painting.

Joe would like to thank the Judges and viewers who share their time and attention with this work. And to Divis Mountain, for reminding him how nature continues to guide, inspire, and humble him in his art.

He says “I am incredibly proud of Newry—its spirit, its heritage, and the remarkable creative community it’s becoming. As a local artist, it brings me immense joy to see our city embrace the arts, from community festivals to public exhibitions and more. I will always champion the arts in Newry—supporting fellow artists, participating whenever I can, and seeking out ways to bring art into our everyday life. Whether it’s painting landscapes inspired by Divis Mountain or joining in local events, I’m dedicated to nurturing the vibrant cultural scene here and keeping Newry on the map as a place where creativity thrives.”

If you would like to vote for Joe’s painting you can vote at https://poll.fm/15786798, he would very much appreciate your support and vote. You can vote on multiple devices and it refreshes every 24hrs. Vote, vote, vote.

Pictured: Newry artist Joe Galbraith.