John Dinan began his professional life as an engineer but when he decided to take early retirement he turned to painting. He works primarily in oils but has also produced a number of popular etchings. His paintings are characterized by vigorous brushwork and reflect his interest in strong shapes and colors.

Dinan graduated with honours from the University College of Dublin with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has also studied with the National College of Art and Design as well as with Henry Healy RHA. He shares his time between Dublin where he works from his home and his custom built studio in the West of Ireland near Cong, County Mayo. He runs painting classes in the summer months from his studio.

Dinan enjoys depicting a number of subjects including Irish and French landscapes, market scenes and horse fairs. His work reflects his interest in strong shapes and colours, and his brushwork is usually vigorous. He paints mainly in oils but has also produced a number of limited edition etchings. He also has a keen interest in portraiture and has completed many private commissions.

His work has been commissioned by several major Irish commercial organisations including Aer Rianta, Bank of Ireland and the Great Southern Hotel Group and he has featured in many corporate publications. Much of his work is sold to private overseas buyers, including a large proportion in the USA.

EXHIBITIONS

Royal Hibernian Academy
Oireachtas Annual Exhibitions
Back Lane Painters Group
Sandford Gallery
Leinster Gallery
Wexford Opera Festival
In March 2007 John Dinan exhibited at the Leinster Gallery as part of the group exhibition by Back Lane Painters, John Dinan, Desmond Hickey, Sean Tiernan, Tom Scott and Tony (A.R.) McCarthy.

Dinan's work is part of collections in France, Germany, the United States and Ireland.