Irish Artist Poppy Melia in her studio in Ireland

About Poppy Melia

Poppy Melia (Dublin, 1966) is an Irish artist with an international sensibility and presence. In 1989, after graduating from the National College of Art and Design, she spent a year painting on the Polynesian Islands with fellow artists Pauline Bewick and Holly Melia, her mother and sister. On returning to Europe her debut solo exhibitions in London (the Catto) and in Dublin (the Rubicon) were critical and commercial triumphs. Since then, Poppy has travelled and painted throughout the world, drawing inspiration from sojourns in Nepal, China, New Zealand, North America and Europe, in particular Tuscany where she has summered with her family since early childhood. However her main inspiration is rooted in the Kerry countryside, its mountains, lakes, sea, flora and fauna, which have surrounded her since childhood. Her art is highly sought after in the print media and in literary publishing and she has appeared on many TV and radio programmes. Her work hangs in private and public collections throughout Europe, America and South Africa.

Poppy paints highly detailed, realistic, rhythmical works, which can often take up to a year to complete. Since 2004 her success has meant that all of her art is sold before it is even completed. 

"Her paintings, mainly in gouache, are a joy to look at ... There is a carefully orchestrated linear construction to her works." Irish Independent
 
"Her clear observation of her subjects, exact and sensitive drawing are all well absorbed in her strongly decorative compositions." The Irish Times

 

View Prints Commissions

 

Exhibitions

1990 - The Rubicon Gallery, Dublin
1991 - The Catto Gallery, London
1992 - The Rubicon Gallery, Dublin
1993 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney
1995 - The Catto Gallery, London
1996 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney
1998 - Lavitt Gallery, Cork
2000 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney
2004 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney

Mixed Exhibitions

1991 - The Royal College of Art, London
1992 – Irish Life, Dublin “Through Kerry Eyes”
1992 – Royal Hibernian Academy, Annual Exhibition
1993 - The Rubicon Gallery, Dublin “The Christmas Show”
1994 - The Rubicon Gallery, Dublin “ Generations”
1995 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney “Summer Show”
1995 - Royal Hibernian Academy, “Banquet Exhibition”
1995 - Frank Lewis Gallery, Killarney, “Christmas Show”
1995 - The Bin Ban Gallery, Tralee, “Christmas Show”
1997 - Siamsa Tire, “Friends of Tralee Hospital”, charity show
1999 - Royal Hibernian Academy, Annual Exhibition
1999 - Cill Rialigh, “Female Artists working in Kerry”
2000 - Lavitt Gallery, Cork, CASe 2000
2000 - Bank of Ireland Arts Centre
2004 - Lavitt Gallery, Cork, “Summer Show”

2004 - Present day Poppy Melia's works have sold prior to or on completion. Her work hangs in private and public collections around Europe, the U.S.A. and South Africa.