| about the artist... |
| Born at the end of 1973 in Birmingham, England, I began a whirlwind romance with an Irishwoman in late 2004, and moved to Ireland and married in early '05. We settled near Athy in Co.Kildare, and now have two small children. How it all started: One evening in late 2004, I was watching Rolf Harris' television show, where he imitated the great masters. Being at a loose end that evening, and finding this programme interesting, I painted a quick self-portrait. A freind saw this painting. Liking it, she asked if she could commission a painting for her sister's birthday. This first commission led to several more, and I began to take painting more seriously. 2004 - 2008: Development of skills, key commissions, first solo exhibition: During the next four years I sold exclusively by commission, concentrating on developing my skills. (I am entirely self-taught). In 2007 I received my first corporate commisions; A painting for the 40th anniversary of KARE, a series of small works to illustrate four children's books, and a logo design for a book publisher. 2008 saw my first solo exhibition, held in Naas Library. The exhibition was at very short notice, and was not well attended. 2009: High gallery sales, change in style, started teaching art. In Autumn 2009, I began working with the Wet Paint Gallery, an artist-run gallery near my home. The gallery functioned both as exhibition space and as a public studio. My experience in the gallery was the catalyst for a fundamental rethinking of my painting style and objectives, and a period of great productivity. My artworks became more expressive and impressionistic, and their scale increased dramatically. My paintings (in both my new and my old styles) sold extremely quickly. In the same year I also began to teach art to children aged 5 and upwards. The age-group of the students was my wife's idea, and the classes are a great success. These classes have three objectives; to have fun making marks, to be creative, and to identify, challenge and develop styles and skills. The children and I thoroughly enjoy the classes, and I am delighted with their progress. 2010: The building occupied by the Wet Paint Gallery became unavailable. Numbers at the children's art classes continue to increase. I launched art classes for adults. I hope to be working with a new gallery soon. Pending this, please contact me if ou would like to see my work in person. Thankyou very much for your interest. |
| Bob Gravenor Fine art paintings for sale and by commission, Art lessons. |
Links:
| Bob Gravenor. Tel +353 (0)87 74 50 500. Email bob@bobgravenor.com. Address: Clutar, Castlerheban, Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland |
