Twelve Paintings is an intimate and compelling exploration of the life and work of the renowned Irish artist Colin Davidson. Structured around a series of deeply personal conversations with the broadcaster Mark Carruthers, the book uses twelve key works – from early Belfast street scenes to iconic portraits of figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Seamus Heaney and Ed Sheeran – as gateways into broader reflections on art, memory and place.

Combining memoir and artistic manifesto, Twelve Paintings delves into Davidson’s creative process and the powerful human stories behind his work. Rooted in a long-standing friendship, the conversations accompanying the paintings offer a rare glimpse into the artist’s evolving practice.

Through these wide-ranging dialogues, Davidson reveals not only the technical and emotional depth behind his work but also his personal convictions – about creativity, identity and the role of the artist in bearing witness. With warmth and candour, he invites readers into the world behind the canvas, bridging the gap between private reflection and public expression.