However, this decision can require a lot of work and take away a lot of time from the actual process of creating art.

Phelim Donfield came up with a novel solution to this dilemma by combining his studio and gallery into one.

"My gallery will incorporate the studio where I work. For anyone who visits the gallery, they will have the opportunity to see my workspace and hopefully me at work.

"My own gallery will show off my work in a way that a regular gallery cannot. Often if you are part of a show, you will be there with up to 40 other artists and your work can get overlooked. This way, the visitors can interact with Donfield, see the process and ask questions directly to the artist.

Dublin-born Donfield first started painting when he was in school and held his first exhibition at the age of 16 in O'Connell's School in Dublin.

His work has since been exhibited in various galleries throughout the country.

Donfield mostly uses oils and acrylics, but works with various other materials. Most of his work is figurative, but he paints in all manner of styles.

It was his love of painting that led him to set up the Brushstrokes Art School in 1992, where he tutored when he wasn't painting.

"Up until now I was dividing my time between the Art School and painting. Now I feel that it is the right time to concentrate on being a fulltime artist. I choose to have the studio located in the school so I would be close to town."

Although Donfield will be working while there are people in the gallery, he insists that they won't be a distraction.

"People are respectful of the artistic process and will usually wait until you are finished working before asking questions or commenting on the piece.

He also says that he would be open-minded to suggestions while working. "If anyone had ideas that they wanted to share, I'd be happy to take them on board, but generally I have a clear goal in mind when I work on a piece."

Although Donfield is setting up the gallery, he still hopes to showcase his paintings on the gallery circuit.

"I will continue to operate on the gallery circuit. It's always a good way to promote your work. It's also a lot of fun."

Phelim Donfield's gallery/studio will be opening on the 6th of September and it will be located in the Brushstrokes Art School in Marino Mart, Fairview. It will be open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-7 pm.