Artist Anne makes waves in Abbeyleix
Artist Anne Deere (left) pictured with library assistant Martina O'Connor in the Abbeyleix library gallery Photo: Stan Henderson
A THIRD art exhibition by talented Laois-born artist Anne Deere, titled The Earth, is currently on display in Abbeyleix library, where the fine collection of seascapes and landscapes will remain on view until the end of August.
Originally from The Swan, Anne went to school in Abbeyleix and then Athy and she currently has a permanent gallery space in The Atrium at the Town Plaza in Carlow, where she lives. Anne is also an established member of Carlow’s Barrow Valley Art Group.
Over the years, Anne’s works have been displayed in several counties, including Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford and Laois. In 2022 and 2023, Anne displayed her works in the sought-after venue that is Abbeyleix library.
While hanging her latest solo exhibition in the gallery at Abbeyleix library, the talented artist, who has a huge passion for painting, took a break to speak to the about her oil paintings.
Anne said that she has been an artist since she was in school in Abbeyleix and that she is still working full-time. She added that she will paint full-time when she retires.
She said: “I love visiting different places like woods, cliffs and beaches at the weekends. Nature is a huge part of me and it always was â it’s part and parcel of my life. Sometimes I start my works when the Irish weather permits and I take photographs, but I love to get the feel of the different beautiful places around the country that I paint.
“People often send me photographs of places that have meaning to them, like scenic places that they would have visited with their parents as children for example and they ask me to paint them. I like to visit the scene myself. If it is a beach, I have more than likely been there. But I love to get the feel of the place because, to me, it’s not just painting what you see, it's also about the feeling of the uniqueness of the place and capturing the story of it.
“I went to Bere Island off the coast of Cork for a weekend earlier this year, where I did some I stayed on for the week and continued painting and I was asked to do an exhibition there next year when we go over.”
Anne said that she is delighted to be exhibiting in Abbeyleix library again and that “it’s a wonderful place and you couldn’t ask for better".
Everyone is welcome to view Anne’s collection during library opening hours. Because of the library’s huge front window, which is lit up at nighttime, passers-by can see most of the wonderful collection from outside, whether they are walking by or stopped at the traffic lights.
Anne Deere Art can be found on Facebook and Instagram and the artist can be contacted directly on 086 8857175 for any enquiries.
