Stop into the Leach Library this month to view Craig O’Neill’s large bright oil paintings depicting his dreamy artistic vision that honors and prolongs memory. We are delighted to showcase nine of his original works throughout the library. Stop in anytime during the library’s open hours to check them out for yourself.
“Garden Party” by Craig O’Neill
A Well-Established Artistic Practice
Craig has been painting since he was 8 years old. Originally from New York City, he studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League, and an arts high school. In Boston, he studied with Pamela Sienna, Paul Rahilly at Mass Art and David Andrus. His first love is oil painting and also works in pastel, watercolor and pen and ink. His main subjects are portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. He paints mainly in a realistic manner with a good deal of movement in his compositions which often tell a story. He has shown at Cutter Gallery, the Stove Factory Gallery in Charlestown, Cambridge Adult Education Center, and various libraries.
“Reggie Ascending” by Craig O’Neill
Prolonging Memory Through Art
Craig gave us a glimpse into his artistic practice:
I love to paint in oils and try to start at least two paintings a week both in the studio and outdoors. I paint portraits, figures, landscapes and interiors. My theme is “multiple realities.” which can include family members who have passed away. Recently, I have been including family members and pets who passed away in some of my paintings in a series of “Visitations”. It is a great opportunity to prolong the memory of those we have cared about and who have been part of our lives. My paintings tend to be realistic with some elements of abstraction due to a lot of movement in them. I use a lot of bright colors. Although I tend to paint very quickly I sometimes let the painting stand for several days and let it tell me what else needs to be done. I also like to have views of interiors and exteriors in the same painting. Some influences include Sorolla, George Bellows, Jane Freilicher, Sargent, some impressionists and expressionists. There is a huge treasury of images that inspires me as well as what I see around me.
If you’d like to get in touch with Craig, send us a note using the contact form below and we’ll route your inquiry. And be sure to stop into the Leach Library to view his work through October 31!
“Let there be light!” by Craig O’Neill
Display Your Work
The Arts Council invites local artists to display their work for a month at the Leach Library. We are currently revamping our application process, so if you are interested in displaying, please submit an inquiry using the contact form at the bottom of this page. To date, we have hosted painters, illustrators, photographers, writers, jewelry makers, and others, and are open to all mediums. We are accepting submissions for all months in 2024 except March and October.
“Yellow Roses” by Craig O’Neill