Adrian Tarpey

Adrian began drawing at two years of age. Diagnosed as profoundly deaf at twelve months and with poor body control his mother noticed that he had become fascinated with his hands and the way they moved. In an effort to encourage his activity she gave him crayons and markers with which he started to draw.

At the age of four Adrian was assessed as having Autism. He continued to express his world through his drawings.

He drew from memory the things he saw around him and became intensely interested in particular themes. Cars and houses were particular favourites and he lovingly depicted the decorated Christmas trees he saw in the windows of houses he passed by as he walked along the street.

Adrian has devised a completely personal method of measuring and transcribing his subject onto paper. Beneath each painting is a detailed and finished drawing. This is an essential part of the process for Adrian and he will not begin painting until this is completed.

Adrian has devised a completely personal method of measuring and transcribing his subject onto paper. Beneath each painting is a detailed and finished drawing. This is an essential part of the process for Adrian and he will not begin painting until this is completed.

Adrian gained awards in the Texaco Art Competition at ages four and nine years. He has also exhibited at Dublin Castle in the First International Art Exhibition by Artists with Autism, which was officially opened by Mary McAleese, President of Ireland.