Owen Walsh (artist) facts for kids

Owen Walsh (1933–2002) was a talented Irish painter and graphic designer. He was known for his strong use of color in his artworks.

A Look at Owen Walsh's Life

Owen Walsh was born in Westport, County Mayo in 1933. He grew up on Altamont Street. His parents were William and Delia Walsh. He went to Blackrock College in Dublin starting in 1946.

Owen married Beryl in 1954. They had two children, Sharon and Ronan. Later, he met Eileen O'Mara. They had a son named Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, who was born in 1975. Owen lived in Dublin for most of his life. Later, he moved back to County Mayo with Eileen. He passed away in Louisburgh, County Mayo in 2002. His son, Ronan Walsh, is also an artist.

Owen Walsh's Artistic Journey

Owen Walsh began studying art at the National College of Art (now the National College of Art and Design) in Dublin in 1950. He was a very good student and won important awards for his paintings and designs. He learned from famous artists like Seán Keating and Maurice MacGonigal.

Even while he was still a student, Owen had his own art show in 1953. It was held at the Dublin Painter's Gallery. In 1954, after he finished college, he won the first Royal Hibernian Academy Scholarship in Art. This award allowed him to travel and study in countries like Spain, France, and Italy. He even taught art in Madrid.

Working as a Graphic Designer

In the 1950s, Owen Walsh also worked as a graphic designer. He created advertisements for big companies like Esso and BP. He also worked for an Irish department store magazine called Creation.

Forming the Independent Artists' Group

In December 1959, Owen helped start a group called The Independent Artists' Group (IAG). This group was formed because they wanted to show art in new ways. Their first art show was in June 1960. Owen continued to show his art with this group throughout the 1960s. He was even offered a special position at the Royal Hibernian Academy, but he chose not to accept it.

Life in Paris and Later Work

After some time, Owen moved to Paris with Eileen. While living in France from 1967 to 1970, he won a special award called the Medaille d’Or at an art show in Juvisy, Paris.

When he returned to Ireland, he kept creating art until he passed away. His paintings are known for their bright colors and a style that reminds people of Henri Matisse. Owen's work has been shown in special exhibitions in 2012 and 2019. In 2022, a large painting (mural) he made in the 1960s was found during renovations of a pub.