Francis Leavey is a Dublin based artist. An established figure in the Irish art world he has become well known for his brand Fab Cow, which he established with his partner Bernie Cryan.
“As an artist I am fascinated with creating work that encourages the viewer to find the beauty in themselves and the world around them. It is this single aspiration that drives my work whether it is my illustrative pieces, drawings or paintings. I choose subjects that draw me in and by their sheer beauty insist I recognise that beauty in myself and others.
We launched this new series called ‘Inspired by Ireland’ in 2018 although it has been a number of years in the making.
Over the years while travelling around Ireland I have been struck by the variety of colour that exists in the flowers, heathers and other fauna. These colours are easily lost under the carpet of green that is Ireland. (Not unlike the beauty in each of us sometimes).
In the work I have pushed the greens back and brought the minority colours to the fore. It is this rebalancing of colour which creates the warmth and luminosity to each piece.
I truly hope you enjoy the work.”
Print details:
Giclé e prints from original Watercolour & Ink paintings Available framed or unframed
Dimensions including Frame & Mount: 16” x 12” 20” x 16” 30” x 24”
Larger sizes are available on request
Many rivers to cross
Inspired by The Ha’penny Bridge
Code: FA-001
“The Ha’penny Bridge is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. One of our most fundamental needs in life is to connect with others and this is what bridges are designed to do.
Perhaps this is part of the reason we are drawn to them.”
Follow your own path
Inspired by Irish countryside
Code: FA-010
“A walk through the hills and forests of Ireland is to be constantly surprised. Each nook and cranny reveals a serenity and beauty that opens us up to the wonders of the landscape around us.
As in life, when we find our own path, it will lead us home.”
Inspired by Glendalough
Code:FA-011
“Nested in the Wicklow countryside, Glendalough is a deeply moving place to be.
The monastic site is surrounded by such tranquility that one cannot help but feel
serenity and peace”
Explore. Dream. Discover
Inspired by the landscape of Kerry
Code: FA-012
“The landscape of the South West is rich and varied. There is a strength and warmth to it that is reminiscent of a proud mother. She nurtures her children and invites them to explore, dream and discover.”
Life is calling
Inspired by The Sugarloaf Mountain
Code: FA-013
“Mountains are nature’s cathedrals. Standing proudly in the Garden of Ireland is the beautiful Sugarloaf. She stands there, quietly surveying the world, a reminder to us of the glorious potential of life’s calling.”
New horizons
Inspired by The Wild Atlantic Way
Code: FA-014
“The West coast of Ireland has a spiritual quality that is unique. Perhaps it’s the age old battle against the Atlantic Ocean that has shaped not only the coastline but also the inspiring sense of strength and resilience.”
Adventure awaits
Inspired by Benbulben
Code: FA-015
“Benbulben is truly a gift of nature to the Sligo landscape. She lies there, stretched out like a sleeping giant under acres of sky. It is hard not to feel called to adventure when standing in her shadow.”
Home; where stories begin
Inspired by Connemara
Code: FA-016
“Few places inspire more than the landscape of Connemara. Her story stretches back in time to places of mystery and imagination. She is the root of so much tradition and memory. Being in her presence feels like going home.”
Stand tall. Aim high
Inspired by Poolbeg
Code: FA-017
“The Poolbeg chimneys were once considered an unworthy addition to the Dublin skyline. Today, they are regarded as an integral part of our personality and architectural heritage. We need to remember to be resilient, stand tall and aim high.”
Inspired by the Lakes of Killarney
Code: FA-018
“Killarney National Park is a rich and beautiful corner of Ireland. It boasts three wonderful lakes and these inspired this painting. They remind us to reflect and remember that today is a new day.”
Standing tall
Inspired by the Cliffs of Moher
Code: FA-019
“It’s easy to understand why the Cliffs of Moher are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are stunning to behold as they rise for what seems like forever above the Atlantic.
They are a reminder to stand strong and tall.”
Reflections
Inspired by Spanish Point
Code: FA-020
“Sunset at Spanish Point is an experience to savour. As the sun falls into the Atlantic and night spills into day the colours are quite magical giving us cause to pause and reflect.”
Four Faced Liar
Inspired by the Shandon Tower
Code: FA-023
“The Shandon Tower is one of Cork’s most recognized and loved sights. It is a truly beautiful building. Locals, noticing that the four clocks were not always in agreement named it the ‘Four Faced Liar’.”
Watching over you
Inspired by Blackrock Castle
Code: FA-024
“Ireland is spoiled with beautiful castles. There are few finer than Cork’s Blackrock Castle. Perched on the banks of the River Lee, like a guardian, watching over us and protecting us.”
An ocean of possibility
Inspired by the Irish coastline
Code: FA-025
“The sea, stretching out to the horizon has a way of calling us to consider the endless possibilities that life has to offer.
There is a sailor in all of us waiting to discover our unique potential and possibility.”
Resilience
Inspired by Trim Castle
Code: FA-026
“Set on the banks of the River Boyne Trim Castle is an impressive sight. Long gone are the battles and now, her work done, she rests there quietly as a reminder of our resilient hearts.”
Carry me home
Inspired by Trim Bridge
Code: FA-022
“The bridge leading into Trim is regarded as the oldest bridge still in use in Ireland. What attracted me to it was the idea of people returning. The bridge gives me a strong sense of being welcomed home.”
A calm heart
Inspired by Glendalough
Code: FA-028
“Early morning at the water’s edge is always a beautiful place to find oneself. The colours haven’t fully come to life and there is a stillness coating everything. These are the moments when we can feel most at ease in ourselves and our place in the world. ”
Inspired by Mount Errigal
Code: FA-029
“Mount Errigal rises above the rich landscape of Donegal. Like all mountains it has a unique personality. Its sheer size impresses upon the skyline yet it is connected to and dependent on the lowlands to shine.
Life and success are no different. It is upon each other’s shoulders that we rise.”
The journey begins
Inspired by Trinity College
Code: FA-030
“The arched entrance to Trinity College is an architectural treat as well as being a wonderful metaphor for all the young minds starting out on a new chapter in their learning. Through the darkness the light is clearly visible and is an open invitation to the embark on your own journey.”
Darkness into light
Inspired by Newgrange
Code: FA-031
“Newgrange is an incredible place to visit. It connects us to a time in history, which is lost in mystery and is a testament to mankind’s quest for understanding.
I haven’t had the fortune to experience the illumination of the passage tomb at the Winter Solstice and can only try to imagine the beauty. ”
There is always light
Inspired by the forests of Ireland
Code: FA-032
“There is something magical about forests. I could never quite put my finger on what draws me to them.
I do know that when the light streams in through the shadows it is reminds me of stained glass. It brings with it a sense of wisdom and peace. ”
Where I go, you go too
Inspired by the Irish countryside
Code: FA-033
“There is a wanderlust in the Irish heart and our influence can be found in all corners of the world.
It doesn’t matter where or for how long we go, it’s impossible not to take our homeland with us.
This painting was started abroad at a time when I longed for the Irish countryside.”
Bloom
Inspired by Irish wild flowers
Code: FA-034
“The Irish landscape is quilted in a rich tapestry of beautiful flowers. The colours are as rich and as varied as the people who inhabit the island.
No-one has to tell a flower to bloom. It just does. Likewise, we don't need permission from anyone to burst into full blossom.
Worth remembering that!”
Inspired by Lambay Island
Code: FA-035
“Lambay Island is set off the north county Dublin coastline. Like all islands, it is an evocative sight. It is a unique individual, confident to stand alone and shine.
Perhaps it is their individuality and the fact that they stand there, removed from the crowd, that draws us to islands. There is something in that which reminds us to stand out and be secure in our shiny uniqueness.”
Malahide Castle
Inspired by Malahide Castle
Code: FA-036
“Malahide Castle is located in North County Dublin. It was home to the Talbot family for almost 800 unbroken years and it is still the spiritual ‘family home’ of the village.
Growing up, the castle and grounds were my playground and hold a special place in my heart. The roots are strong.”
Home Thoughts
Inspired by the Mourne Mountains
Code: FA-037
“I grew up listening to the Percy French song called ‘Mountains of Mourne’. It’s an evocative song and when you visit the Mourne’s you can see why.
This painting tries to capture the natural beauty of the area which one would understandably miss if far away.The title comes from the Clifford T Ward song ‘Home thoughts from abroad’.”
Going home
Inspired by Irish villages
Code: FA-038
“I can’t think of anything sweeter than returning home after a long absence. I’ve experienced it myself on more than one occasion in my life.
I often find myself reliving those times as I pass through small rural villages and towns.
So many of their sons and daughters have left but the call to go home rarely leaves.”
A Warm Welcome
Inspired by Irish pubs
Code: FA-039
“The Irish pub is truly at the heart of Irish culture. The beer may flow but it’s the tide of stories, song and slagging that makes an Irish bar such a unique place. It’s not hard to understand why there are Irish pubs in every corner of the world. It’s hard to be alone if you’re in one whether you want to be or not!”
Inspired by the Irish woodlands
Code: FA-040
“It doesn’t matter how long the winter lasts. It doesn’t matter how deep the snow may be.
The sun will always rise and the snow will always melt.
Life may be hard right now but there is always hope.”
A New Beginning
Inspired by Broadmeadow Estuary
Code: FA-041
This painting is of Broadmeadow Estuary in Malahide.
It has always been my ‘go to’ place whenever I needed to clear my head.
It is where I go when I am lost and need inspiration. Time spent reflecting here always leaves me with a renewed sense of self and calm. A sense of beginning.
Pause
Inspired by winter forests
Code: FA-042
There is nothing quite as beautiful as a forest in the wintertime. The trees still stand and hold fast while new life, as yet unseen, is cloaked in snow.
There is a stillness to the winter forest which invites us to a place of silence and calm.
Inspired by Ireland’s Eye
Code: FA-043
Ireland’s Eye rests just off the coast of
Howth Village on the north coast of Dublin.
I chose the colour palette of this painting to capture the idea of relaxing and resting. It can be easy to forget there is virtue in rest as well as in activity. It is what restores and renews us.
Into the light
Inspired by the Irish countryside
Code: FA-044
The older I get the more I understand that we are all on our own journey through this life. We can choose a path that we think we should take but brings with it very little joy.
Alternatively, we can choose a path that is true to ourselves and will bring with it a sense of contentment.
In essence we are walking toward the light.
Be still. Be here.
Inspired by Ireland’s forests
Code: FA-045
When painting this forest scene, David Wagoner’s poem ‘Lost’ came to mind.
The poem speaks about feeling lost when in fact all we need to do is be still, honour our feeling but not to let it encompass us. The forest knows where we are just as good friends know when we despair.
I find light filtering through the trees very emotive. The sense that even though we are deep within a forest, the light will find find us and guide us.
Be still, listen and open your heart.
At Ease
Inspired by the Irish landscape
Code: FA-046
I’ve always been drawn to earthy colours ochre, orange, brown .... I’ve always loved autumn and the colours it brings. I find them incredibly peaceful.
I chose an autumnal palette for this piece in which I wanted to convey a sense of rest and peace.
It isn’t an actual place but rather a scene drawn from the memory of many places I have been and experienced that deep sense of peace.
Tranquility
Inspired by the Parke’s Castle & Lough Gill
Code: FA-047
Parke’s Castle is situated on the northeastern shore of beautiful Lough Gill.
Sitting proudly by the water’s edge, the beauty of the restored castle belies a difficult history, not least of all 300 years of abandonment.
There’s a lesson in there for us.
We can all thrive when shown some love and attention.
Take me home
Inspired by the Knockmealdown mountains
Code: FA-048
Ireland may not have the highest mountains but it certainly has a beautiful and diverse variety of mountain ranges.
The Knockmealdown mountain range borders the counties of Waterford and Tipperary surrounded by beautiful countryside.
The golden palette in this piece are tranquil and restful with a strong sense of homecoming.
What dreams await
Inspired by the Irish coastline
Code: FA-049
There is a moment in the early morning when the colours of the dawn begin to peep out through the darkness and take their place before creating their orchestra of hues.
It is the perfect moment to sit and realise the possibilities that exist in all of us.
As a new day forms and the many colours reveal themselves how can we not be inspired to imagine the dreams and opportunities that stretch out in front us and wait for us to embrace them?
Serenity
Inspired by the Mweelrea in Co. Mayo, Connemara
Code: FA-50
Mweelrea mountain is located between Doo Lough and Killary harbour in Mayo.
She is a stunning mountain made all the more impressive when reflected on the still waters of Doo Lough.
There is a beautiful serenity to this part of Ireland and one cannot help but feel connected to the spirit of the West when standing beneath Mweelrea.
The Day Is Done
Inspired by the mountains of Kerry
Code: FA-52
County Kerry boasts some spectacular mountains. The MacGillycuddy Reeks and The Slieve Mish mountains inspired this piece. There is nothing quite like watching the dying embers of the day in the midst of this beautiful landscape and reflecting on the joy of another day.
Possibility
Inspired by the Knocknarea, Co. Sligo
Code: FA-51
One of my first paintings in this series was ‘Adventure awaits’ of Benbulben. This piece, may be considered its sister piece.
Knocknarea in Sligo is a special place. It is steeped in ancient tradition and atop the mountain sits Queen Maeve’s Cairn.
Perched on the Atlantic there is something about standing on this beautiful mountain that evokes possibility.
Doolin
Inspired by the Doolin, Co. Clare
Code: FA-53
Doolin is world-famous for its traditional Irish music and holds annual festivals such as the Doolin Folk Festival.
There are plenty of scenic hikes such as the Doolin cliff walk. There is the famous Doolin Cave, and the area has more than 100 archaeological sites from ancient times.
A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without a visit to this wonderful spot.
Emo Court
Inspired by the Emo Court, Co. Laois
Code: FA-54
Located near the village of Emo in County Laois, Emo Court is a beautiful neo-classical mansion.
It is one of the few houses to have been designed by renowned architect James Gandon.
The gardens at Emo are 35 hectares of landscaped grounds with formal areas, woodland walks, statues and a 20-acre lake.
Croagh Patrick
Inspired by the Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo
Code: FA-56
Croagh Patrick, nicknamed 'the Reek', is a mountain with a height of 764 m and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland.
The mountain has a pyramid-shaped peak and overlooks Clew Bay, rising above the village of Murrisk, several miles from Westport. It has long been seen as a holy mountain.
Beneath the storm
Inspired by the Atlantic Coast
Code: FA-57
We will all face our own personal storms In life. The challenge is to find stillness within the chaos. ‘There’s a calm at the eye of every storm’ as Dan Fogelberg sang in his song ‘There’s a place in the world for a gambler’
Let the storm rage above, find the light that you need to bring hope and calm.
