Tony O’Connor’s captures his subjects’ true likeness and spirit with meticulous attention to the minor details.
Born in Kerry, Southwest Ireland, Tony studied Fine Art at Crawford College of Art & Design, also gaining his Higher Diploma in Art Education. Presently, Tony can be found working at his Cork-based White Tree Studio, creating ever more sought after pieces of art.
Classical Elegance
With a disciplined approach in his study of horse anatomy, Tony puts a great emphasis on technical execution. As with much of his work, the void of background & simplicity of the pieces highlights the natural physical perfection of these animals. The horse & the beauty of its majestic form & spirit are the basis of his canvas. The result of his inimitable combination of an innate aptitude for draughtsmanship & his lifelong passion for horses is a body of beautifully evocative paintings that capture the unique power, grace & nobility of the equine form. Anyone who appreciates classical elegance cannot but be drawn in.
Tony’s love of horses stems from his childhood; some of his earliest memories are those of his grand-uncle Mossie working in his dark smoke-filled forge, shoeing local horses & ponies. Influenced by the Renaissance Masters, he takes his style of drawing from the Silverpoint pieces of Da Vinci & drawings of Michelangelo – elements of both can be seen in his drawings & portraits of horses.
His work now forms part of many private & corporate collections worldwide. Additionally, Tony has hosted several Master Class Workshops & has embarked on an exciting new venture as Resident Artist at the Equine Art Retreat in Oklahoma, America.
Awards
Thrilled to have lifted two awards through the prestigious Ex Arte Equinus International Art Competition Tony was also awarded Best Creative Equestrian 2013 in the Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMAs) & Best Creative Equestrian 2014 – this time winning both the Judges’ Choice & People’s Choice.
References: www.whitetreestudio.ie