‘Beyond’, which opened at the Castle Museums at the end of June, features a series of Hutton’s recent works and will remain on display until September 27, 2026, giving visitors throughout the summer an opportunity to experience the exhibition.
The collection includes dramatic coastal scenes, still life compositions and portraiture, with the majority of the works created in oil. Through rich layers of colour and texture applied using palette knife, brush and sponge, the paintings explore themes of place, observation and the suggestion of what lies beyond the visible landscape.
Launching the exhibition, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said the display adds to the cultural programme at Enniskillen Castle.
“The Council is pleased to welcome local artist Douglas Hutton’s exhibition to Enniskillen Castle,” she said.
“This exhibition provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to engage with a diverse collection of contemporary paintings and forms part of the varied cultural programme on offer at the Castle Museums. I would encourage people to visit the exhibition and experience the work for themselves.”
Originally from Fife in Scotland, Hutton was born in 1950 and studied at Edinburgh Art College between 1972 and 1976. During his studies he developed a fascination with colour as emotion, drawing inspiration from the Scottish Colourists and American Abstract Expressionism, while the work of artists including Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt also influenced his artistic development.
Before settling in Fermanagh, Hutton worked in a variety of roles including accountant, community artist, estate worker, salmon fisherman and squash coach. His time as a community artist in Glenrothes saw him lead projects ranging from festival parades and mural painting to mosaics and workshops with children and older people.
In 1982, he moved to Enniskillen to become Head of Art at Portora Royal School, a position he held for 25 years before leaving teaching in 2007 to concentrate on painting full time.
Since then, his work has been inspired largely by Ireland’s rugged landscapes and the paintings of Paul Henry and Jack B. Yeats. Alongside his own artistic practice, Hutton has continued to work within the community, leading art projects with schools, senior citizens and local groups, and currently delivers art classes for Action Mental Health.
Reflecting on the exhibition, Hutton said he was delighted to return to Enniskillen Castle with a solo exhibition.
“I am delighted to showcase recent work at Enniskillen Castle in a solo exhibition, ‘Beyond’,” he said.
“The works, mostly in oil, mainly depict remote coastal scenes but also include still life and portraiture. The paintings are developed in layers using palette knife, brush and sponge to create an observed yet ephemeral element with the suggestion of more beyond each work, supported with written commentary and poetry.”
The exhibition was officially launched by guest speaker Noelle McAlinden, who praised Hutton’s contribution both as an artist and educator.
“I have known Douglas Hutton for almost four decades as a dedicated arts educationalist and artist, inspiring students and fellow artists alike,” she said.
“This new body of work reflects the artist’s response to the world around him and creates a visual dialogue between artist and viewer. I am delighted to see this exhibition by the Fermanagh-based artist presented at Enniskillen Castle.”