Laois artist's ‘Colours’ exhibition brighten up Abbeyleix Library 

A STUNNING exhibition of almost 30 vibrant paintings by local artist and retired vice-principal of Scoil Mhuire in Abbeyleix, Frances Tobin, is currently on display in Abbeyleix library for the month of January.

The exhibition titled Colours showcases a wonderful variety of landscapes, seascapes, horizons, shorelines, woodlands, farmlands, animals and colourful flowers, which Frances has mostly painted in the last year.

The wonderful spectrum of colours from the collection of paintings jumps from the walls and captivates the viewer upon walking into the gallery space.

Several of the talented artists’ paintings saw red dots go underneath them on the opening night, which is Frances’ third solo show in the well sought after venue.

Frances grew up on a farm in Johnstown, Kilkenny, where she was immersed in the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. Her love of art and nature shaped her life and this can be seen through her work. Frances said that she was fortunate to integrate her passions into her career as a teacher in Scoil Mhuire in the heritage town.

Speaking to the Laois Nationalist at the launch, Frances said: “Most of this exhibition is new works and are an expression of the things I love and the things I love doing. I come and go between Laois and Wexford and I love to paint plein air when the weather permits. All of the paintings are from beautiful places within both counties. I am a fitness fanatic and I love running and walking, but when I stand still for long enough, I take a lot of pictures of my wonderful surroundings to base my paintings on.

“After my retirement, I embraced the opportunity to fully focus on developing my craft as an artist by enrolling at the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board here in Abbeyleix, where I had fantastic art tutors. I gained invaluable experience in art, craft and design, which allowed me to hone my skills as an artist. When I graduated in 2021, I built a studio space at my home in Ballacolla where I run a variety of workshops and classes.” Frances also said that she aims to capture her deep connection to the places which feature in her paintings through vibrant colours, textures and light and she certainly achieves those targets with ease and grace. The artist wishes to thank the staff at Abbeyleix library, her family and friends and everyone who supports her artwork.

Commenting on the Colours exhibition, gallery manager Martina O’Connor said: “We are delighted here at Abbeyleix library to welcome Frances Tobin back for her third solo exhibition. It is a very joyful and colourful exhibition and it is certainly lighting up a grey January sky.

“We are delighted to see the amount of interest in her art and, as always, Frances is one of the artists whose paintings sell very well at the library. People just love to have her pieces in their collections. We wish Frances the very best with her exhibition and encourage people to come along and view her wonderful collection of paintings.’’ The exhibition can be viewed during library opening hours until the end of the month. More information is available by phoning Abbeyleix library on 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie. Frances can be contacted directly on 086 3068372.