NATIONAL DRAWING DAY 2026: Live Drawing Performance | Gerard Byrne Gallery

Gerard Byrne Gallery is proud to partner once again with the National Gallery of Ireland for National Drawing Day 2026 — a nationwide celebration of drawing and creativity — taking place at 2 pm on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

This year, we open our doors to the public with a performance of live drawing by Gerard Byrne. Step into the world of one of Ireland's most celebrated artists and experience his proccess up close. The event includes an exclusive Q&A session with the artist himself, offering a rare window into Byrne's practice and his mastery of the medium. 

Whether you're a lifelong admirer of Byrne's work or simply curious about the art of drawing, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend a Saturday afternoon in the company of beautiful art — and the people who make it.

"National Drawing Day is a celebration for everyone — from seasoned draughtsmen to those picking up a pencil for the very first time." 

For centuries, drawing was fundamental to the production of art and design, a method of metamorphosis which brought artistic vision to life. Yet, in an era of increasingly digitised art, conceptual drawing and visualisation, draughtsmanship is in danger of becoming the skill of a bygone generation. 

Considered a Modern Impressionist, Gerard Byrne’s creative process embodies the expertise of his artistic forebearers, beginning with a freehand charcoal sketch drawn directly onto the canvas. While known primarily for his finished oil paintings, Byrne sometimes chooses to leave a sketch as it is, in its loose, expressive, monochromatic form. Once playfully called ‘stop paintings’, in that they are halfway between creative conception and finished oil painting, these drawings offer not only a glimpse into Byrne’s artistic practice, but an insight into his artist’s eye.

16 May [Saturay] : 2 pm

No booking required. Free entry. All welcome.

Phot. Marc O'Sullivan

Phot. Emmylie Cruz

Phot. Johnny Mallin