My very good friend John has passed away. At the age of 83 John departed this Wold on August 31st. He will be sadly missed. Rest in peace John Schwatschke. 

John Schwatschke was an Irish-born portrait painter of Austro-Irish parents. His original ambition was to be a concert pianist and composer, and he gave three piano recitals of classical works and his own compositions in Waterford, Vevey and Tours. However, his friendship with the Irish President de Valera (whom he painted as Chancellor of the National University) after leaving school, led to the President persuading him to “do one thing and do it well”, which he thought should be art. Read more...