Eastender’s view of Inishowen

An Eastender is exhibiting his artistic impressions of Inishowen. Art-lovers are invited to view London painter Dennis Colverson’s work at an exhibition entitled A Portrait of Inishowen at the new exhibition centre at Fort Dunree from September 1–16. Mr Colverson fell in love with Inishowen on his first visit in 2005 on a holiday to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary. Mr Colverson was born in Stepney in 1939 just before the outbreak of World War II, and lived his childhood in Canning Town, east London. Mr Colverson said: “Inishowen opened my eyes to a far different landscape from that of my upbringing in the Docklands of east London. “After the Blitz, the devastated landscape of my surroundings was a playground of adventure, a different story for my parents and their generation. Although conditioned by my upbringing and environment I still had an enjoyable and happy childhood, never thinking that one day I would visit parts of the world so unlike my own. Inishowen is certainly that.” Mr Colversd on said has always taken an interest in and enjoyed art of all forms. His career was in graphic design and advertising, However, he said, landscape painting was never of prime interest until his first experience of Inishowen. He said: “After the holiday and departing for home I knew that I would attempt to put down on canvas the wonderful feeling the peninsula left me with. “Normally I feel much more comfortable with portraiture, but the experience of Inishowen gave me the desire and momentum to explore my ability in landscape painting. It did not seem right to stop at one or two paintings therefore I decided to paint many more. “I still find this inadequate in representing the landscape on offer. I hope with the limited areas I have covered some justice has been done to this natural and unspoiled peninsula."