Having learnt to use a camera to illustrate my harness, I started writing and illustrating articles for several equestrian magazines including Horse and Hound. The idea for a book Repair Your Own Saddlery came to mind and was readily accepted by JA Alien of London the worlds leading equestrian publisher who, on its completion, contracted me for several more titles.

Working on the illustrations for these books led me in turn to painting in acrylic, pen and wash and watercolour, my influences ranging from Celtic art to the contemporary Irish landscape. A selection of my paintings can be found in the Gallery section of this site including my very stylized versions of the ancient Celtic Ogham text.

The experience gained in teaching trainees to cut leather and stitch by hand has benefited me enormously in the development of my art classes and lately in the production of my first video "Paint with Rob" Apart from painting at my studio I also facilitate Art Workshops, children's kite making courses and give saddlery lectures and demonstrations. Please contact me for further details. Owners and managers of hotels and B&B'S are also invited to contact me regarding "Art Holidays and Weekends" at their premises.

Along the road I acquired two miniature Shetland ponies, Rocky and Rambo companions for my larger horses which I so love to ride and drive.

Slán go fóill (Gaelic for, Goodbye for now)

Rob

Craft Coucil of Ireland Register
Registered Professional Artist with CREATE, Dublin
Life member Carriage Association of America
Member of the Irish Museum Association
Member of the British Driving Society

--SITE LAST UPDATED 06.09.2007--