About this user
I am an artist, both at heart and by trade. I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't love to create things. As a very young child, it was mud-pies and finger paintings. Now, it is fine art and realistic portrait work. Each day that Im able to create is a day that I thoroughly enjoy and am thankful for.
Many people ask if I am formally trained. I would answer yes and no. ☺
I did receive a degree in fine arts from Union University, but Im convinced that with or without schooling, I would be creating art. I realized early on in my introduction to drawing classes that this type of instruction would hinder me rather than grow me. I quickly shifted my training focus to graphic design and ceramics, which I knew nothing about at the time. I am thankful for this training because it made me a more well-rounded and creative artist. During this time, I decided to hone my drawing and painting skills on my own, launching my portrait business at age 18.
It hadn't occurred to me until then that something so satisfying and thrilling could also provide an income. Upon completing my four-year degree, I set out to make art full-time. Ive never regretted it!
This road was paved with some pretty hefty discouragement from some of my peers and authority figures. Numerous well-meaning people told me that I needed to be practical and just create art on the side like everyone else and get a "real job." I was actually ridiculed for my naiveté of thinking I could live my dream. Thankfully, my parents and a very dear art professor, Lee Benson, had voices that drowned out the naysayers.
Over the past 11 years, my business has become multi-faceted. I love the drawing and painting aspect of my work, but I also developed a love for graphic design. I find that my fine arts background lends itself very well to the creative process that is necessary to design stunning graphics. For my portrait work, I offer charcoal, pastel, and oil mediums. I also love to draw animals and the occasional landscape from my travels abroad. The variety that this brings to my workweek is very stimulating.
I also set aside regular time to create paintings that I feel compelled to do. These may or may not appeal to the broad public, but they are inside of me and must come out. Many times, these paintings reflect something that I've learned about God - the ultimate Creator.
My hope is that you will connect with some part of my story or my work. Perhaps if you are not already, you will be encouraged to pursue that which you were truly created to do.
I invite everyone reading this to visit my website and become a VIP so that you can receive my monthly eBlast with insider information and discounts.
- Kelly O'Neill
theartistoflife
uploaded
4 months ago
