James O'Brien's recent paintings could be described as being carefree and innocent. "I like to find warmth in my subjects and enjoy painting with warm colours on my pallet. I enjoy painting happy young children and teenagers and often find inspiration at the beach." James freely admits that his seascapes reflect his long carefree summers as a child.
Tasmanian born and now living in Melbourne, James first picked up a brush in 2002. His original inspiration to take up painting came from his work at St Paul's College in Kew where he assists students with disabilities. "I am continually uplifted by their enthusiasm and resourcefulness. When tackling sensory art projects their level of ability becomes insignificant as they immerse themselves in self-expression."
In his short painting career James has won several awards and enjoys a steady stream of sales and commissions. His paintings are hanging in the Tasmanian Cricket Association Museum and private collections in Australia, UK, USA and China.
Although James began painting a little over 6 years ago, he has already painted many portraits - of family, of friends, commissions and for competitions. He has entered the Archibald Prize competition five times. Three of his past works have been accepted for the Hidden Faces of the Archibald exhibition - great recognition for a newcomer in the art world. His Archibald portraits have featured Kew architect Graeme Ingrouille, cricket legend David Boon, Melbourne fashion designer Mariana Hardwick, Catholic Emeritus Archbishop of Melbourne, Frank Little, with student George and his mum Joanne Kavouras and opera singer David Hobson.
James works mainly with acrylics on canvas, but experiments with other mediums from time to time.
Exhibitions and Awards
2003
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
- Selected for January in 2004 Canterbury Art Exhibition calendar
Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club Art Festival, Toorak, Victoria
- Honourable Mention
- Peoples Choice Award
2004
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
The Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Crown Towers, Southbank, Vic
2005
The Thursday Group, Group Exhibition, Hawthorn, Victoria
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club Art Festival, Toorak, Victoria
- Honourable Mention
2006
Solo Exhibition, Mount Martha, Victoria
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
The Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Crown Towers, Southbank, Vic
2007
Art Melbourne, Exhibition Building, Victoria
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club Art Festival, Toorak, Victoria
"Reflections", solo exhibition, Toorak, Victoria
2008 "Recent Paintings - Fond Memories", solo exhibition, Portsea, Victoria
The Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Park Hyatt, Melbourne, Vic
Canterbury Art Exhibition, Canterbury, Victoria
- Peoples Choice Award,
Email James if you would like to commission a momento of your favourite family holiday or a portrait <jamesob@bigpond.com>
James, with his wife Sue, at the opening of his January 2008 exhibition at Portsea Victoria
Email James if you would like an invitation to his next exhibition <jamesob@bigpond.com>
or phone (03) 9853 5399
Gallery of James O'Brien Portraits
Gallery of James O'Brien Seascapes & Beaches
Gallery of James O'Brien's Community Life paintings
Return to James O'Brien Art Home Page
Email James for an appointment to see his latest works <jamesob@bigpond.com>
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© 2008 James O'Brien Portraits & Seascapes
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