Kitty Wilmer O'Brien facts for kids

Kitty Wilmer O'Brien (born August 7, 1910 – died 1982) was a talented Irish artist. She was known for painting beautiful landscapes using oil and watercolour.

About Kitty Wilmer O'Brien

Early Life and Art Training

Kitty Wilmer was born in India on August 7, 1910. Her parents were Harold Gordon Wilmer and Alice Violet McEntire. Sadly, her father passed away in a war when she was only four years old. Her younger brother, Harold, also passed away in a war later in 1942.

Kitty began learning art in Dublin in 1926. She studied at the schools of the Royal Hibernian Academy. There, she won several awards for her artwork. She was taught by an artist named Lilian Davidson. In 1933, Kitty won the Taylor Scholarship. This special award allowed her to study at the famous Slade School of Fine Art in London.

Family and Artistic Career

In 1936, Kitty married Dr. Brendan O’Brien. He was a surgeon from Dublin. After living abroad for a few years, they settled in Dublin. They had two sons, Dermod and Anthony. Anthony also grew up to become an artist, just like his mother. Another artist in the family was Geraldine O'Brien.

Exhibitions and Leadership

During the 1940s and 1950s, Kitty O'Brien showed her paintings in many art shows. She exhibited her work with her sister-in-law, Brigid Ganly, in Dublin. She also submitted her art to the Society of Dublin Painters, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the Water Colour Society of Ireland.

Kitty O'Brien's art was shown every year at the Irish Living Art Exhibition and the Oireachtas Art Exhibition. Her hard work and talent were recognized when she became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1976. She also served as the president of the Watercolour Society for many years, from 1962 to 1981.