Des Snee

Des Snee, one of Ireland's best known artists, died on September 7, peacefully in his home in Avoca. He was 48.

A native of Dublin, Des moved down to the Garden of Ireland in 1999, and during these years he lived in Rathdrum, Arklow and Avoca. Des did not come from an artistic background and was completely self-taught. He began painting professionally in 1983.

For the most part his work covered three subjects - horses, hounds and still life. In the latter years he also did some pastoral scenes with cattle, obviously getting inspiration from the beautiful Wicklow countryside.

His horse portraits and in particular his head studies, were of the highest standard, and it would be fair to say he had few equals in this field. commissions included Sadler's Wells, Vintage Crop, Desert Orchid, Istabraq, Sinndar amongst many others.

Des produced some magnificent work from his studio in the Main Street in Arklow, just across the road from Christy's.