Thomas O’Brien

Based in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Thomas O’Brien is a self-taught portrait artist whose distinctive work blends the immediate impact of drawing with the subtle depth of watercolour. He is dedicated to capturing the human form and expression through meticulous, tonal techniques.

O’Brien’s process is characterized by a commitment to technical skill and atmosphere. He utilizes watercolour washes to establish rich foundations of colour and shadow, which are then dramatically sculpted and defined using white pencil highlighting. This approach lends his subjects a striking, timeless quality.

Valerie Rabbette (明如)

Valerie Rabbette is drawn to beauty in all its forms— whether it’s found in nature, fleeting moods, poetic imagery, or some quiet symbolic moments that often go unnoticed in everyday life. A watercolour enthusiast, she paints with a curiosity that reaches beyond what the eye can easily capture, exploring subjects that feel poetic or metaphorical, letting colour and transparency hint at what words struggle to express.

For her, watercolour isn’t just a medium—it’s a way of paying attention. Its fluid unpredictability mirrors the mystery of the things she loves most: soft light, delicate transitions, emotional undertones, and the stories hiding in small details.

Happiest when a piece leaves space for reflection, her work is guided by emotion rather than technical rules. She invites viewers to feel something rather than merely see something, saying ‘I paint not to record reality, but to reveal meaning within it.’

Dominic Murphy

Dominic Murphy is a 41-year-old artist whose evocative works blend pastels and pencils to offer a personal insight into the daily life of someone with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). In this exhibition, his pictures are split into two distinct streams – the Tools for Life series transforms everyday medical tools, therapies, and routines required for managing CF into compelling pieces of art. Through his sensitive use of mixed media, Dominic seeks to raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the resilience found in navigating a complex health journey. In contrast to this, Dominic is also showcasing a more light hearted imaginative side to his work; his ability to find joy and escapism through creative expression.

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