Arthur Armstrong (painter) facts for kids
Arthur Armstrong (born 1924, died 1996) was a talented painter from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. He was known for his unique style, often using a technique called Cubist. He painted many beautiful landscapes (pictures of nature) and still-life works (pictures of objects).
Arthur Armstrong's Early Life and Art
Arthur Armstrong was born in Carrickfergus on January 12, 1924. His father was a house painter. Arthur went to Strandtown Primary School. Later, he started studying architecture at Queen's University Belfast. However, after two years, he decided to follow his passion for art. He moved to study art at Belfast College of Art.
His artwork was greatly influenced by Cubism and the School of Paris. These styles inspired him to travel and paint in different countries. He visited England, France, and Spain. He also explored and painted in the West of Ireland. The beautiful area of Connemara inspired some of his most famous paintings.
Exhibitions and Awards
Arthur Armstrong's art was shown in many places. In 1950, his paintings were displayed at the Grafton Gallery in Dublin. After that, his work was exhibited in England, Spain, and the United States. He also had shows in Belfast and Dublin.
In 1957, he received a special award called a travelling scholarship. This award was from the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts. It allowed him to travel to Spain to paint and learn more.
In 1962, Arthur Armstrong moved to Dublin and made it his home. He began to show his artwork regularly at the Royal Hibernian Academy. This is a very important art institution in Ireland.
Later Achievements
Arthur Armstrong continued to gain recognition for his art. In 1968, he won the Douglas Hyde Gold Medal at the Oireachtas Exhibition. This was a significant honor for his work.
In 1969, he helped design the stage sets for a famous play. The play was called Juno and the Paycock by Seán O'Casey. He worked on the sets with other artists, George Campbell and Gerard Dillon, for the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
He became a full member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1972. In 1973, he received the Art in Context prize from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. In 1981, he joined Aosdána, which is a group of Irish artists. In the same year, a big exhibition of his work was held. It showed his paintings from 1950 to 1980.
Arthur Armstrong passed away in 1996.
See also
- Karen Reihill "Gerard Dillon, Art and Friendships" by Adams Auctioneers published Summer 2013 (PDF) http://www.adams.ie/cat-pdf/20713.pdf
- List of artists from Northern Ireland
