Artist Erin C. O’Connor finds the inspiration for her paintings directly at the source. Her passion for working en plein air has produced work from the Rocky Mountains, the great Western deserts, whitewater river trips, and the California coast and wine country. She has traveled through Morocco and Central America as well, returning with paintings of the vibrant life, landscapes, and architecture abroad.
Across the range of subject matter is O’Connor’s highly recognizable style. With an eye for color and line, her graphic compositions bridge the classic with the contemporary. “There’s a raw strength to paintings done on location,” she states. “By being there first hand, I’m able to pass along the experience with excitement and honesty. A successful painting has an energy that speaks well beyond itself.”
O’Connor’s penchant for living lightly and painting boldly has been featured in Plein Air Magazine (Today’s Masters, Spring 2011) and Southwest Art (Artist to Watch, Editor’s Choice, December 2011).
The National Park System boasts two of O’Connor’s pieces in their Permanent Collection, and her work appears in the Art & Action display at GTNP’s Jenny Lake Visitors Center.
