Having been a practicing architect has much to do
with the way Don O'Neill perceives his world. His choice of subject
matter, principles of structure, light, mass and pattern in all
visual arrangements continue to fascinate him. Through his career,
he discovered that fine art painting is "Fine Art" when done for its
own sake, which is to create a beautiful piece of paper or canvas.
Watercolor painting started in
1968, when as an architect, he felt the need to enhance his
rendering skills. An opportunity to enter into the world of art came
about through the tutelage of Milford Zornes, N.A. Witnessing
something far more monumental and meaningful than architectural
rendering, was the beginning of another way for him to view the
world. This discovery of what "fine art" could mean to the human
spirit took him on a new path. Now, years later, he is a member of
Watercolor West, National Watercolor Society and Signature Member of
the prestigious American Watercolor Society. Over the past 15 years
he has presented 30 workshops or demonstrations each year
throughout California and the Southwest. He now stays closer to home
so as to devote more time to painting in the studio. His desire is
to follow in the footsteps of the California Impressionist Painters.
BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION 1985 -Present: Operates personal
watercolor gallery, THE STOREROOM
1985 - Present: Conducted watercolor workshops and demonstrations
throughout California and Southwest.
1964 - 1990: Practicing Architect in Riverside
1954 - 1961: Practicing Architect in Washington D.C.
1948 - 1953: Catholic University of America, Study of Architecture
and Fine Arts. Bachelor of Architecture Degree
SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS
1999 Work accepted into the 132nd Annual Exhibition of the American
Watercolor Society.
1997 Second Place Award, Multi Media Exhibit XXVIII
1995 Best of Show Award, Riverside Art Museum Membership Exhibit
1994 Award of Excellence, Multi Media Mini XXV
1992 Accepted into 125th Annual Exhibit of the American Watercolor
Society and granted Signature Membership
1990 Harrison-Cady Award American Watercolor Society 123rd Annual
Exhibition
1989 Artist-in-residence, Na Bolom, San Cristobal Las Casas, Mexico
1988 Purchase Award for Permanent Collection, Palos Verde Community
Art Exhibit 1987 Accepted into 120th Annual Exhibit of American
Watercolor Society. and received the Edgar Whitney Award
1985 Acquisition Award for Permanent Collection, Mt San Jacinto
College
1983 First Award, 8th Annual Heritage Awards exhibit, Inland
1982 First Award, Inland Exhibition XVIII, San Bernadino Co. Museum
1982 Acquisition Award for Permanent Collection, Chaffey Community
Art Association
PUBLISHED
1997-98 Painting Light and Shadow, Painting Color, Rockport
Publishers
1996 National Geographic Traveler, pp. 112, 113 & 114, Mar.-Apr.
Edition
1996 Place in Watercolor, Betty Lou Schlemm, Rockport Publishers
1995 Best of Watercolor, Ibid. p. 14
1991 Splash I, North Light Books p. 28 & 70
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