Clare O'Neill | Custom Horse Portraits

West Palm Beach | Boca Raton | Ft. Lauderdale          Feb. 12-15, 2016 Aspen | Snowmass | Basalt | Carbondale                   Mar. 7-10, 2016       Horses are amazingly sensitive beings. They are mystical, magical, and intuitive. They make us feel powerful and that anything is possible—that our lives are free from restrictions.   I work with mixed media and combine photographs with beeswax, pigments, and oils. I create custom horse portraits that are not too obvious or literal yet have narrative elements that remind you so strongly of that special bond that only you have with your horse.   In my work you don't see everything, in fact it's what you don't see that can be more powerful than what you do see.  I use rich imagery, bold brush strokes, and playful drops to create paintings full of gesture, spontaneity and motion. My images create a sense of mystery and intrigue for you to fill in the narrative.     _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How it Works I am currently scheduling appointments for West Palm Beach | Boca Raton | Ft. Lauderdale and Aspen | Snowmass | Basalt | Carbondale. Check your calendar for upcoming dates and locations and send me an email. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. Once everything is confirmed I'll send you an email with information, guidelines for the session and some tips for a successful shoot.  Cost There are several sizes of paintings to choose. The cost of your artwork includes the portrait session fee and shipping within the United States.                 30 x 30  = $4,500 36 x 36  = $5,700 40 x 40  = $6,400 48 x 48  = $8,500 24 x 48  = $5,200   The Shoot The portrait photo shoot usually last an hour and a half. About 200 - 300 images are taken. I'll take full body shots, close-ups and action images. For the action shots we'll need an area for your horse to run and someone who is able to get your horse running. An outside area works best but inside will also work.  Since the image becomes part of the artwork and are not renderings, I can't work with images that I have not taken myself. My paintings are made up of all my own original artwork.  Proof It Before I start work on your painting, you'll receive several proofs that we will discuss. It's imperative to keep in mind that when I'm shooting for my paintings I'm shooting with an abstract intention--I don't want to see all the details. The photograph is only the beginning stage of capturing your horse and as I add the beeswax and pigments I'll be continuing to add mystery and depth of the image. These proofs sometimes are out of focus, frequently way overexposed, and are not properly framed as artistic prints in and of themselves. This process helps me look at your horse differently from the 'get go'. The photographs should be considered sketches only and are done in b&w. During this process you'll also have a chance to talk about certain colors you would prefer in the background.    Timing Average turn around time to receive your painting is 2 months.

FREE RETURN SHIPPING My dream is to create the most unimaginable beautiful works of art and have them hanging in peoples homes, making them feel good. But I also understand that when you get it home it might not work in your space. No problem. We'll arrange for the work to be shipped back within 14 days — at no cost to you.   INTERIOR DESIGNERS I love working with interior designers and helping source artwork for your projects. It's always a rush to see how my art can easily translate into a designers aesthetic — whether it be modern, transitional, mid-century modern, industrial, eclectic, contemporary, or Southwestern. I'm here to make it as easy as possible for both you and your client.   CUSTOM HORSE PORTRAITS Sometimes you just want a portrait of your own horse. I understand completely and would be happy to schedule a photo shoot and create a custom painting for you. Please contact me to schedule a session.       SAVE THE BEES My initiative to help save the bees is a priority. I proudly support several organizations committed to honoring the bees and their connection to our well being. Without these magnificent creatures many of our crops — and my livelihood as an artist — would be in great peril. I hope you will join me as my sustainability journey deepens—and grows. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________