Blaithin O'Ciobhain 

 

Blaithin O'Ciobhain was born in Dublin in 1935 and attended the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) where she studied under Keating and graduated with honours from the School of Painting in 1958. In 1960 Blaithin joined RTE where she wrote and presented "Lets Draw with Blaithin", the world's first televised fine arts masterclass. The show ran for 14 years and won Blaithin both the Jacobs Broadcasting Award and the Prix Jeunesse Munich. She is a skilled still life artist working through the medium of pastel.

Like much contemporary still life Blaithin chooses everyday objects as her subject matter which draws the viewer to focus on the technique and composition of the painting. In later works, Blaithin began to experiment more with colour and composition with the juxtaposition of the still life against a landscape. These pieces are both whimsical and daring as she gives a fresh prospective to the theme of still life painting.

She has exhibited frequently throughout her career and her exhibitions include the R.H.A., Living Art, Oireachtas and Celtic Festivasl L'Orient, Brittany 1983 & 1984. In 1982 she was elected a member of the Watercolour Society of Ireland.