David Clarke was born into a family of artists. His father was Harry Clarke, the renowned stained glass artist and book illustrator, and his mother was the painter Margaret Clarke, best known for her portraiture. The Harry Clarke Studios were in North Frederick Street, just around the corner from Belvedere College, where three generations of Clarkes were educated - Harry, David and David's son Rory. The family lived on North Circular Road near the Phoenix Park, David's beloved refuge and university of nature, where he spent much of his childhood and where he walked almost every day.

David was a very fine draughtsman but he was primarily a superb colourist, inducing peace or excitement through cool or glowing colours. There is ...