Athlone painter says Athlone art scene is ‘beginning to thrive’

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone painter Rob Quinn had been drawn to art from his earliest years, but it wasn’t until later in life that his passion became a full-time career.

The 52-year-old self-taught representational artist works across a variety of mediums, from watercolour and ink to gouache and oil, focusing on capturing the light and form of everyday scenes and life.

Robert points to his mother, a dressmaker, as his earliest inspiration. While both of his parents were creative and good with their hands, he was the first in his family to follow art as a career.

“I was really the first proper painter in the family," he said. “I didn’t realise I had a good ability for art until later in life. It was always a hobby of mine.

“I was always doodling and drawing as a child and being creative in general. I used to build models and make things. I had a very encouraging household around art.”

Robert rediscovered his love of art after moving to Spain at the age of 24, where he found himself surrounded by artists, galleries, and creativity.

“Spain changed things for me. I was around galleries all the time and saw other artists working. I started asking myself, ‘Why can’t I do this more seriously?’,” he said.

“I got back into studying art, and I got great encouragement from teachers who told me I should be doing it full-time.”

He returned to Ireland near the end of the Celtic Tiger era at the age of 34, taking office jobs “to pay the bills”.

“The end of the Celtic Tiger wasn’t an easy time to try to make a living from art, but I knew if I wanted to improve, I had to dedicate myself more to painting," Robert said.

He credits his wife Teresa, and his sons Ted and Antonio, for their support and encouragement in helping him pursue a career in art. He soon began teaching classes locally.

“Teresa has always been my number one supporter. Whenever doubts crept in, financially or otherwise, she always encouraged me,” he said.

“Without her, I probably wouldn’t have gone down this route at all.”

Teaching now plays a huge role in Robert’s career as an artist, and he says it continues to inspire and challenge him creatively.

“I don’t think I’d be nearly the artist I am without teaching," he said. “I give a lot to students, but I get a huge amount back from them as well.

“There’s a lovely communal spirit in the room. We’re all trying to do something together.”

While many of his students are beginners, Robert is particularly inspired by those returning to art later in life, including some in their 70s and 80s.

“They’re coming into classes having not painted in 50 or 60 years. They’re there to learn. That’s inspirational to me,” he said.

Robert aims to create an encouraging and welcoming environment for aspiring artists and beginners, many of whom may feel intimidated about trying something creative for the first time.

He believes art should be accessible to everybody, and that the most important thing is simply taking the first step and enjoying the process rather than worrying about perfection.

“I always try to emphasise that art isn’t a race, it’s about the process," he said. “There’s enjoyment and learning in it. There’s no formula in art, and that’s where the beauty is.”

Robert believes making time for creativity is becoming increasingly important in modern life.

“In our busy schedules, I think it’s really important that people try to make a little bit of time for art,” he said.

“There are so many distractions now, but painting and music bring huge enjoyment and benefit to people. There’s a huge benefit in art, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole.”

Robert credits Athlone artist Lelia Henry and the late Trevor Geoghegan as two of the most important artistic influences in his life.

“Trevor was a huge influence on me. He was an incredible landscape painter, but also a very humble person,” he said.

“He taught me that art isn’t all about selling or marketing yourself. Good art is good art at the end of the day. I do try to emulate his attitude towards art.”

Alongside his own work and teaching, Robert believes Athlone’s creative community has developed significantly in recent years.

“There’s actually a very healthy art scene in Athlone and the Midlands,” he said. “The Luan Gallery is a fantastic facility to have, but it’s also the people, they’re very supportive.”

He says there has been a noticeable increase in enthusiasm around the arts locally, particularly among younger generations and families.

“There’s a huge buzz around art at the moment, especially with young people and families,” Robert said. “Athlone is really beginning to take shape creatively.”

He also praised the support local artists receive from businesses and members of the community.

“Jane English and the Wineport Lodge have been very supportive over the years through buying work and promoting local artists,” he said.

Looking ahead, Robert hopes to continue building on that momentum, with plans for a major personal milestone in the near future.

“One of my goals over the next year is to have my own solo exhibition in Athlone,” he said. “I’m working on the pieces, so watch this space.”