Rosemary Carr Hon Sen ROI (1932 – 2023)
Born in Worcestershire, Rosemary trained at the Birmingham School of Art, gaining a Diploma in Textile Design. She later studied with Victor Askew and Pier Luigi Baffoni, both distinguished members of the ROI.
From early times, Rosemary preferred to paint from life outdoors with brush and palette knife on board or canvas, then bringing the work back to the studio to be finished.
She exhibited widely in England in the early years starting with private exhibitions and through the Hertford Art Society.
It was in 1965, when on holiday in Connemara, that Rosemary discovered the rugged, ever changing landscape of western Ireland that was to inspire her painting throughout her career. Rosemary moved, with her husband, Bobby, from Hertfordshire to Connemara in 1991.
In Ireland Rosemary exhibited widely in Connemara, at The Kenny Gallery, Galway, and Kennedy’s of Hartcourt Street in Dublin. She exhibited in the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in 2006 and 2007.
The inspiration that Rosemary took from the landscape of her adopted home is best expressed in her own words, written in 2008:
“There is never one day the same as another, here in Connemara, not even from the same place. There is always some reflection, light or colour, that will make me stop the car, and try to “catch the moment”, often mixing my colours even before setting up my easel, to be sure to get my colours and all important tones right.
Seasons are never the same either. Spring ‘07 was all clear blue – with incredible blues in lakes and rivers; and the wonderful change to Autumn colour, can also be different year by year – 2006 was pinks and ambers, whereas 2007 was rich chestnut, orange and deep red.
Another amazing effect, usually in July as the big grass flattens – sunlight from certain angles makes it shine pink and silver.
Lastly, as the sun gets lower in winter – suddenly a shaft of light through the clouds will light the sea with brilliance and sparkle.
These are all special moments, colours and effects, not always noticed, unless you are lucky enough to be there.”
Rosemary was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1986, a Full Member in 1989, and an Honorary Senior Member in 2012.
