Colours of Ulysses #072 — Melonfields and Olives

Page 72 of Ulysses (Penguin edition) was one I had been eagerly awaiting to interpret for my Colours of Ulysses series. The page is vibrant with colour and sensory imagery — “fire from foxeyes,” “eucalyptus trees,” “orangegroves,” “immense melonfields,” “olives,” “oranges,” “almonds,” “citrons” — all blurred together in a haze of “silver heat.” There was …

Behind the Painting – Colours of Ulysses #068

Some artworks just take hold of you. They won’t be rushed, and they certainly don’t settle for simplicity. Colours of Ulysses #068 was one of those pieces. Now, most of my artworks demand time — either at the conceptual stage or when I’m standing brush-in-hand at the canvas. But this one asked for something else …

The First Colour in Ulysses: Yellow

The first colour James Joyce introduces in Ulysses is yellow—“a yellow dressing gown.” A fitting choice, in my opinion, as yellow embodies both optimism and caution. It is the colour of sunlight, intellect, and energy, yet too much of it can signal a warning. Perhaps Joyce, ever the master of layered meanings, was subtly cautioning …

Milly in Mullingar: A Triptych Inspired by Ulysses

This stunning triptych is an abstract celebration of the vivid imagery and layered emotions found in pages 74, 75, and 76 of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Inspired by Bloom’s tender morning routine—sorting the mail, noticing a letter from his daughter Milly, who is working in Mullingar, while preparing breakfast for himself and his wife still in …

In Art Colours: A Celebration of Joyful Expression

Art has the power to transport us, to evoke emotion, and to reflect the world through a unique lens. My latest abstract painting, In Art Colours, is a vibrant tribute to creativity, playfulness, and the simple joy of expression. With a palette of soft pastels—gentle pinks, serene blues, sunny yellows, and minty greens—it captures an …

077 “Transmigration”: The Story Behind the Artwork

Some artworks just flow. You start with a blank canvas, and suddenly, there’s a sense of determination that takes over—a strong and confident energy guiding each movement. This was exactly my experience with this piece, which I’ve titled “Transmigration.” As you can see, the bold brushstrokes in this painting exude a sense of clarity and …

“HUSZZZBAAND! I’m off down the shops for a bottle of red” 

I holler over the eardrum-bursting progressive rock music vibrating off what’s left of the walls in the next room.  “Isn’t it a bit early in the day?” He shouted back looking at the clock showing noon. “It’s for artwork #022″ I shout back, “Joyce is bangin’ on about red wine 🍷 and I need to …

“You’re mad!” they said. That’s how I knew I was onto a good thing…

Natalie Forrester, Irish Ambassador’s Residence, Budapest, Bloomsday 2023 “You’re mad!” they said. That’s how I knew I was onto a good thing when I announced my 20-year Ulysses project last summer.  A big welcome to all of you who are new here 👋 In case I’m new to you, I’m Natalie Forrester, an Irish artist …