Damaris Lysaght is a highly regarded botanical artist who grew up on a farm near Doneraile, North Cork. She studied Fine Art in Cork and Dublin, followed by 4 years in the studio of the renowned teacher of classical painting, Nerina Simi in Florence, Italy. She moved to Ballydehob in 2009.

“I love to ‘wander’…I enjoy exploring the coast and land on foot. While wandering I come across plants, trees, rocks, water that ‘speak to me’ and may become subjects for my paintings. I will return carrying my gear, as I paint directly in front of my subject. When I paint, I combine my passion for the natural world and my interest in art. It allows me to observe the cycles of nature, changing seasons, weather and tides. I am inspired by the colour, texture and atmosphere of the land/seascapes, and the amazing variety of the flora and fauna that live here. It is also a way of expressing my concern for the loss of habitats, diminishing biodiversity and the fragility of our planet.”

Damaris has had numerous solo exhibitions and has participated in many group shows. She has works in private and corporate collections in Ireland and abroad. Her work can be seen in the following galleries: Blue House Gallery, Schull; Aishling Gallery, Ballydehob; Lavit Gallery, Cork; Joan Clancy Gallery, An Rinn; Open Window Gallery, Dublin; Tuckmill Gallery, Naas.