An evening of celebration and remembrance was shared in Enniskillen last Wednesday night on the first anniversary of the death of renowned Fermanagh painter Jeremy Henderson.

Jeremy, who was originally from Lisbellaw, died at the age of 56, from a brain tumour on April 28, 2009.

His widow Patricia Martinelli, who is a fellow artist and actress, hosted the evening and took her guests on a creative journey celebrating the life and respected work of her much-loved husband.

Jeremy and Patricia married in 1995 and have one daughter called Bella-Lucia. The couple moved between London and Fermanagh for a period of years, before eventually settling in Boho in 2000 where together they restored the old barracks as their family home.

Friends travelled from as far away as Belfast and Sligo to join Patricia for the memorable evening at Enniskillen Castle. She discussed her late husband's work and reminisced of his exhibition days in London in the 1980s and the 1990s.

Refreshments were served and an opportunity was given to see some examples of Jeremy's work.

Her husband's powerful and evocative paintings were inspired by Fermanagh landscapes and traditional Irish forms and his work has been bought by high-profile figures including U2's frontman Bono.

"My husband worked all his life, he loved to work and he would have been overwhelmed by all who came out to pay tribute to him," she said.

In 2001, Jeremy was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Arts Council to produce painted wall pieces made of vitreous enamel for Clinton Centre in Enniskillen. He was proud to have his works recognised and included in the National Art Collection in 2004. His work is also held in private and corporate collections.

Describing his paintings, Jermey was quoted as saying, "In my paintings the time of day is indeterminable, the weather changeable, something has happened, or is about to happen." His work and biography have already been included in important art publications such as 'From Past to Present'.

Patricia said as her husband was an international painter who took great inspiration from his homeland.

"Jeremy was very much inspired by the landscapes and beauty around Fermanagh and worked right up until his passing and is still very much missed by us all."