THIS Thursday sees the official launch of Deepening the Mystery, a group art exhibition bringing together three exceptional local artists at different stages in their careers at the Harbour Arts Centre.

The exhibition will run from Monday 13 January until Monday 24 February, with a launch event at the Harbour Arts Centre on Thursday 16 January from 7–9pm.

Bronagh Sheerins is influenced by the complexities and forms of nature. She uses mark making throughout her work to make a strong visual impact.

Bronagh Sheerins’ interest and love of art and painting started at a very young age, encouraged by her parents to be as creative as she liked. She attended St Joseph’s Academy in Ayrshire where fellow exhibitor John Grant, was the Principle Teacher of Art and Design.

Bronagh then went on to study painting at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, where she achieved a First Class Honours Degree and had her work bought for the permanent collection of the Robert Gordon University.

Bronagh will also be exhibiting alongside her father, Robert Sheerins. Talking about this exciting prospect, Bronagh said: “Exhibiting with two people that have made such a brilliant and positive impact on my life and creativity will be an honour.” Local artist John Grant juxtaposes mysterious Scottish landscapes and figures in his bold and dynamic paintings, inviting the viewer to engage with his work by creating an atmosphere of enigma and intrigue.

John graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1970; in his early career he enjoyed success as an exhibiting artist, winning a number of awards.

As a fulltime art teacher in 1971, he spent almost 30 years of his life sharing his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for art and design with young people. John retired from teaching three years ago and has returned his focus to his painting, spending much of his time in the studio.

Speaking about his work, John said: “My approach to creating artwork can be summed up by simply quoting from one of my ‘guiding lights’, Francis Bacon, who said: ‘The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” Robert Sheerins’ work with the human figure to create strong traditional portraits and compositions built on skilled drawings of the subject matter. His work is strongly influenced by social realism.

Robert Sheerins graduated from Glasgow School of Art School in 1983. While there he painted alongside and befriended many of the artists who became known as the New Glasgow Boys.

In 1984, Robert studied to become an art teacher and has been teaching art and design in Ayrshire schools for almost 30 years. Although John has continued to paint portraits, his painting had taken a back seat to his family life.

Over the last three or four years things have started to change. Robert has been influenced by his daughter Bronagh as she pursued her degree at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen.

Commenting on his daughter’s success, Robert said: “She has been a great inspiration to me with her commitment, intelligence and insight.” For more information on exhibitions and events at the Harbour Arts Centre, please visit: http://www.ers.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/arts/hac.cfm