Laois artist paints stunning mural on local apiary

A Portlaoise artist has painted a stunning mural on the Laois Beekeeper Association's apiary.

Artist Aileen Donovan painted a mural of St. Gobnait, the Patron Saint of beekeepers.

Inspired by Harry Clarke's stained glass depiction of St. Gobnait in Honan Chapel, Co. Cork, Ms Donovan became involved in the project through Creative Ireland's Heritage through Art scheme.

"I was originally asked to do this piece last April, because I had worked with Creative Ireland Laois on a painting of Dysart Church," Ms Donovan explained.

"I found the project so fascinating. My friend Orla had joined the beekeepers association and mentioned that they would like a mural, and that's where it all started really," she said.

Pictured: Artist Aileen Donovan's mural of St Gobnait on the Laois Beekeeper's apiary.

"I had never done a mural before, so my initial thought was 'oh God!'. I just went for it anyway, and I'm delighted that I did."

Along with her own take on Harry Clarke's work, Ms Donovan incorporated the beekeepers going about their day, a wildflower meadow, and the spire of the Church of St. Michaels and All Angels in the background.

At 53, Ms Donovan has recently began studying art in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). While applying to art colleges during her leaving certificate as a teenager, a teacher had told Ms Donovan that she didn't have the artistic talent necessary.

Hearing this comment, Ms Donovan gave up on her dreams of being an artist, until she began exploring her talents again in recent years. Ms Donovan is now a highly successful artist, with a strong following on social media.

Pictured: Ms Donovan and one of her pieces in 2023.

"I struggled at first to form a vision in my mind of what the mural would look like," the artist explained.

"While I was planning the scene I was chatting to the beekeepers, and they told me how relaxing the hobby is, and how it's great for mental health. I decided to create a peaceful and calm scene, and I painted the beekeepers on either side of St. Gobnait," she said.

"I drew the mural first, and then glued the background pieces on. It all came together well, but the sides seemed very flat. On the original stained glass window, it looks like he is surrounded by dots. So I began adding dots, and at this point it was either sink or swim," Ms Donovan laughed.

"Anywhere I could put the dots, I did. They don't mean anything, they just worked. It lifted the whole thing. It made it look much more uniform."

"Through my art, and going back to college later in life, I've learned that instead of thinkig, 'oh God no, I couldn't do that', just do it and figure it out as you go!" she said.

"It's all just a part of the journey anyway," Ms Donovan finished.

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Above: a recent artwork by Portlaoise artist Aileen Donovan.

The Laois Beekeeping Association took to social media to praise Ms Donovan for her creative mural.

"Absolutely amazing work done at our apiary by local artist Aileen Donovan," the post read.

"A big thanks to Aileen as well as the Laois County Council who aided us through the Heritage Through Art Grant. Thanks also to all our members who take part in the running our our apiary."

The Laois Beekeeping Association will be hosting an opening day in the coming months, and will be running a beginners beekeeping course early next year.

See more of Ms Donovan's artworks here.