Fine Art
CAROL A. O'NEILL: Painter
Heart of Gold
Egg Tempera, Gold Leaf & Pieces of Leaves on Shaped Poplar © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
Traces in Time
Egg Tempera, Gold Leaf & Pieces of Leaves on Shaped Poplar © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
Gossamer Guest
Egg Tempera, Gold Leaf,& Pieces of Leaves on Panel © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
Garden Reverie
Egg Tempera & Gold Leaf on Wood © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
Carol answered questions about her work in egg tempera.
What do you like about working with egg tempera as opposed to other types of paint?
Intrigued by the resonating images and beauty of the Medieval and Early Renaissance panel paintings, I chose to study the history and techniques of painting with egg tempera. I am particularly influenced by the Russian icon painters, not only for their painting techniques, but also for their contemplative spirit. It is this spirit that unites the mind, heart and hand.
Through my studies and studio practice, I became more drawn to the medium, and I soon found that the characteristics of egg tempera were very favorable to my painting style. It is a water-based medium, which is my preference. The traditional recipe requires only three ingredients: distilled water, egg yolk and dry pigments.
There are a number of reasons why I prefer egg tempera over other painting mediums. Since egg tempera is a quick drying medium it lends itself to a linear style of painting, much like drawing, and drawing is the essence of my work. The beauty of egg tempera really evolves with the layering of thin translucent colors. I enjoy the slow meditative method of expression that egg tempera allows. For me, there is no other painting medium like it.
What do you like about working with egg tempera as opposed to other types of paint?
Intrigued by the resonating images and beauty of the Medieval and Early Renaissance panel paintings, I chose to study the history and techniques of painting with egg tempera. I am particularly influenced by the Russian icon painters, not only for their painting techniques, but also for their contemplative spirit. It is this spirit that unites the mind, heart and hand.
Through my studies and studio practice, I became more drawn to the medium, and I soon found that the characteristics of egg tempera were very favorable to my painting style. It is a water-based medium, which is my preference. The traditional recipe requires only three ingredients: distilled water, egg yolk and dry pigments.
There are a number of reasons why I prefer egg tempera over other painting mediums. Since egg tempera is a quick drying medium it lends itself to a linear style of painting, much like drawing, and drawing is the essence of my work. The beauty of egg tempera really evolves with the layering of thin translucent colors. I enjoy the slow meditative method of expression that egg tempera allows. For me, there is no other painting medium like it.
Interwoven
Egg Tempera & Gold Leaf on Wood © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
Garden Path
Egg Tempera, Gold Leaf & Pieces of Leaves on Panel © 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved |
How would you describe your style?
My drawings and paintings are small works detailing my vision of the natural world around us. My images develop from direct observation of nature and photographs I have taken for research. I would describe the style of my art work as Romantic Realism. While my images are realistic, they are also an expression of my personal feelings and are embellished with delicate details. Fragments of decayed leaves resembling fragile pieces of lace are often included in my work as well as 23 and 24 karat gold leaf.
My drawings and paintings are small works detailing my vision of the natural world around us. My images develop from direct observation of nature and photographs I have taken for research. I would describe the style of my art work as Romantic Realism. While my images are realistic, they are also an expression of my personal feelings and are embellished with delicate details. Fragments of decayed leaves resembling fragile pieces of lace are often included in my work as well as 23 and 24 karat gold leaf.
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Camellia
Egg Tempera on Shaped Poplar
© 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved
Egg Tempera on Shaped Poplar
© 2019 Carol A. O’Neill All Rights Reserved
Carol A. O’Neill is a native of New Jersey. Her formal art education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Master of Fine Arts Degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her interest in Early Renaissance and Medieval panel paintings has led her to study and apply the egg tempera medium. She continued her education by attending workshops in the United States and Europe, including the techniques of Russian Icon painting.
Carol’s solo exhibitions include A Gathering of Leaves at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, NJ and a solo exhibition at L’Espace Cadres in Waterloo, Belgium. She has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions across the U.S. and has received a number of awards for her work, including a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship and an artist residency at Millay Colony for the Arts in Austerlitz, NY.
Affiliations include the National Association of Women Artists, New York, NY and the American Society of Botanical Artists, Bronx, NY.
Carol’s solo exhibitions include A Gathering of Leaves at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, NJ and a solo exhibition at L’Espace Cadres in Waterloo, Belgium. She has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions across the U.S. and has received a number of awards for her work, including a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship and an artist residency at Millay Colony for the Arts in Austerlitz, NY.
Affiliations include the National Association of Women Artists, New York, NY and the American Society of Botanical Artists, Bronx, NY.
Photo Credit: McKay Imaging Photography
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"Drawing is a passion of mine - it is the essence of my work. I believe drawing offers a passage within - a direct connection to the imagination, memories, dreams and underlying thoughts and emotions." ~ Carol A. O'Neill |
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:
Beamesderfer 4: Real / Unreal (Juried Exhibition) September 5 - October 31, 2019 B. Beamesderfer Gallery 6 North Second Avenue Highland Park, New Jersey Art Angels (Invitational Group Exhibition) October 9 - October 30, 2019 Reception: Thursday, October 17, 2019, 6-9 pm National Association of Women Artists, Inc. 315 West 39th Street ~ Suite 508 New York, NY |
