Bob Murphy launches latest art exhibition in Waterford

Bob Murphy, a Waterford and Kilkenny based artist, has launched an exhibition of his paintings at the Index Gallery, Waterford City Council Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford city.

The exhibition in support of Solas Cancer Support Centre opened on Wednesday, November 5, and runs for two weeks during library opening hours.

Bob’s journey in art has been lifelong.

He explains: "How I got into painting was by chance after many years. I have always liked painting as I did it going to school and did art for my leaving cert and got on well. 

"When I left school, I promised myself that someday I would take up art again by chance as I had been mentioning to my family that I liked art. My wish came true when my sister-in-law Mary Butler gave me a present of an art painting kit using acrylic paint.

“I have now been painting for over 20 years.” 

He began attending art classes once a week, and has continued to do so over the years.

 “While I am good to work nights on my own, I find the classes are really helpful and keep you focused,” he said.

Bob's work includes landscapes, animals, ships and some portraits.

He says he has been guided along the way by teachers such as Alfonso Santini, Fergus Dillon and Jon O’Donovan.

"I think it is also worth mentioning the people who have helped me on the way. My thanks to Alfonso Santini who initially helped me to get used to using acrylics and guiding me with the initial paintings. 

"Then I had Fergus Dillon who sadly passed away a few years ago. I have always been impressed by his collection of watercolours of Waterford.

"Currently I am attending classes with Jon O'Donovan, who has helped me develop my skills with colours, shades and visual of paintings."

The public are invited to view Bob's exhibition, a comprehensive showcase of his work for the last number of years, at the Index Gallery Central Library, which is ongoing until this Wednesday, November 19.