Renowned Dublin painter Graham Knuttel has passed away at the age of 69.

His death was confirmed this morning (Tuesday) in a post on the artist’s Facebook page.

Knuttel passed away on Saturday, May 27th, surrounded by his loving family.

“You will know that he engaged in life as he engaged in his art – that is to say, boldly and without reserve,” the post reads. “He greatly valued the cut and thrust of debate and the vivid colours that satire and dark humour deliver,” it said. “We know that he is grateful to you all for having made the connection.”

Graham Knuttel attended Dún Laoghaire College of Art and Design where he gained a diploma in fine art painting and sculpture. The Irishman always maintained an interest in figurative work and the story of the human condition.

Graham Knuttel RIP pic.twitter.com/YQMus8UVwZ

— Mark O’Brien (@obrienmark) May 30, 2023

Later in his career, he turned to painting. In more recent years he also collaborated with Tipperary Crystal on a range of homeware and gifts.

Knuttel’s work is held in public and private collections around the world, with collectors including Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, Bertie Ahern and Joanna Lumley.

His art is also held by Swiss Bank Corporation, AIB, Goldman Sachs International and Saatchi & Saatchi London.

Paying tribute to Knuittle, fellow artist Niall O’Loughlin said: “A fantastic artist whose work I have [on] the walls of my home.

“I also had the pleasure to meet a good few times, a true gent who shared a similar very dry wit as myself, RIP Graham.”

Very sad news about the passing of Graham Knuttel. A fantastic artist who's work I have the walls of my home. I also had the pleasure to meet a good few times, a true gent who shared a similar very dry wit as myself, RIP Graham #RIPGrahamKnuttel #GrahamKnuttel pic.twitter.com/8xaXNCLWZh

— Niall O'Loughlin Artist (@nialloloughlin) May 30, 2023

“So very sad to hear about Graham Knuttel. He was a neighbour of ours for years and was a lovely, kind man," another friend tweeted.

Knuttel’s early influences were studies of Cezanne and Picasso, and he aimed “to portray his fears, doubts and hopes on to the faces of his subjects”, the statement said.

Knuttel, a winner of the Royal Canada Trust Award for young Sculptors (1976), cofounded Wicklow Fine Art Press (1981) and in 2008 An Post released two Knuttel-designed stamps in commemoration of the Summer Olympics that took place that year.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of amazing artist #GrahamKnuttel @grahamknuttel over the weekend. Had the honour of interviewing him at one of his exquisite exhibitions in Dublin before. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends today 😢 pic.twitter.com/zeM1tBjRvy

— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) May 30, 2023