"My aim is to have air around things - when I paint flowers I want to give the impression that they are still alive, still growing."
Such were the words of an artist who was greatly loved and respected by all who had the good fortune to know her. Phoebe Donovan was born in 1902 and was laid to rest in her beloved Ballymore, Co Wexford, in May 1998.
Her vitality and serenity sprang from happy childhood days in a beautiful Co Wexford farming home where she spent most of her time until the mid-1940s. Farming activities, animals and all plant life, including weeds and brambles, were her daily companions which later inspired many of her brush strokes. She was a very keen rider and typically spurned the fashion of the time of riding side-saddle. Her skill and adventurous approach led to it being said that "Phoebe could ride a horse up a chimney!".
With characteristic determination she raised money to go to art school by fattening pigs, selling eggs and garden produce and also running a pottery business near Enniscorthy. Her training began in the School of Art in Dublin and the Academy School on St Stephen's Green.
While in Dublin she went to Sean Keating's portraiture classes in the morning and when the school closed for the afternoon she recalled "I'd make sure to get locked in so I could keep painting; usually still-lifes."
The 1930s and 1940s were exciting times in the development of Irish art and particularly so among women. The Dublin Painters Society, of which Phoebe was a member, had a large predominance of females including Nano Reid, Evie Hone and Mainie Jellett. These were avant garde figures but there were also members such as Letitia and Eva Hamilton whose work had a lot in common with Phoebe's. The Impressionists had a strong influence at this time and of Cezanne Phoebe said "I admire the way he uses an incredible variety of shades of green in his paintings". Phoebe worked in the mediums of oil, pastels and watercolour.
In 1933, her work was exhibited in the Water Colour Society of Ireland and in 1948 in the company of Tom Nisbet, among others, she was elected a member. She became a very loyal supporter and served on the committee from 1954 to 1987, when she became an honorary member. Phoebe was also a founder member of the Graphic Studio, where she produced a wonderful range of lithographs.
Phoebe had a quiet inward strength and individualism and her dedication to art meant she never considered marriage. "Art is a full time job - you just can't live a normal life," she explained. "I always painted better when I was lonely. Not just alone. Lonely. I put more into it."
Dedication to art was by no means her only attribute. Among other interests, her gentle concern for others flourished for many years in the Samaritans well into her 80s. She will be long remembered for her quiet, purposeful sensitivity, her spirit of adventure, her gentle humour and the ever freshness of her brush strokes and use of colour.
These characteristics can be seen by those who are fortunate enough to own a "Phoebe Donovan" and by visitors to the beautifully restored old Stables Gallery at her childhood home Ballymore, Co Wexford, where 40 of her works are a living memory to her skills.
She is survived by her nephew Richard Donovan, his wife Margaret, their children Katie, Brian, Colin and Rosalind, and by her nephew Christopher Donovan and her niece Fay Holman. G.McC.