Dublin-born artist Fran Halpin has spent many years painting full-time, but last year, she felt the need for change—a shift in how she approached her work and saw the world. Seeking a new direction, she immersed herself in an online masterclass, exploring more expressive and free-flowing techniques.

Bringing these discoveries back into her ocean-inspired paintings, she began layering transparent washes with bold, intuitive marks, allowing movement and spontaneity to take the lead. Merging these new techniques with her deep connection to the sea, she found a fresh rhythm in her work—one that felt both exciting and expansive. “It’s a big step on my journey, and it feels right to share it now. My work will never be the same again.”

For years, the ocean has been her muse, but she now sees with greater clarity what draws her in most: the dance of light and water. She is captivated by the way light ripples across the surface, distorting and revealing in the same breath, illuminating what lies beneath while shimmering above. This ever-changing balance—between clarity and obscurity, movement and stillness—continues to inspire her.