New exhibition from surgeon turned artist

The official opening of Leafy Landscapes, an exhibition of oils and pastel paintings by Kieran Tobin will take place at The Kenny Gallery Liosbán, Tuam Road, this Saturday, November 26, at 2.00pm.

The artist is a native of South Tipperary living in Galway for many years. He graduated from the former UCG and practised as a Consultant ENT surgeon at University Hospital, Galway before taking early retirement from the medical profession in 2004. He is now a full time artist.

Kieran’s first solo exhibition in Galway was in 1988. He had taken up art as a hobby some years previously and had become completely “hooked”. He has worked in watercolour and acrylic but pastel has been a favoured medium for many years. In recent times he has moved on to include oils for much of his work.

Kieran’s main interest is in the landscape; in uncluttered, unspoiled countryside and for this exhibition, he dedicated 12 months the theme of the Irish wooded landscape. This exhibition is a journey through various types of woodland, from deep in the forest to open vistas and from the stark, bare branches of winter to the heavily laden boughs of summer.

Kieran has previously had four highly successful solo exhibitions with The Kenny Gallery, mostly in pastel. He has had two solo exhibitions in the United States and has taken part in numerous multi-artist shows.

He is a member of the Pastel Society of Ireland and of the Pastel Society of San Diego, California.

It is some time since Kieran’s last show in Kenny’s so Leafy Landscapes represents a welcome return for this ever popular artist. The guest speaker at the opening will be Dr Patrick Fottrell, the former President of NUIG.