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Category Archives: Art Journal
Art journal of John O’Keefe Jr. See his paintings, process, tutorials, examples, art exhibits and awards. Follow John’s family on their artistic pursuits.
Below are links to short articles in the series “A Brief History of Painting Frames” by John O’Keefe Jr. Each article includes reference images and diagrams to help you identify frame design features unique to each historical period. New links will be activated as additional articles and relevant materials are added. Please enjoy.
Danielle tried oil painting for the first time in 2014. Oils were a different feel for her, and she realized very quickly that it was not as easy to control the medium as others that she had already mastered. It was around this time that Danielle expressed an interest on body art, i.e. tattoo design. Starting this year her drawings started going in that direction. We have dubbed 2014 as Danielle O’Keefe’s year of experiments.
Danielle O’Keefe’s Year of Experiments – Trying New things
“Self Portrait 1” Oil on Board (1st Oil Painting) Danielle O’Keefe 2014 ;(18 years old)
“Patterned Flowers” Oil on Board (2nd Oil Painting) Danielle O’Keefe 2014 (18 years old)
“Chinese Butterfly” Sharpie on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2014 (18 years old)
“Tattoo Study” Pen & Ink & Graphite on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2014 (18 years old)
“Tattoo Study” did not come out as Danielle hoped for, and she wanted to toss the artwork before it was done. I had her finish it despite her early disappointment, and told her to look at the experience as an opportunity to 1) finish what she started, and 2) practice ways to overcome mistakes. She could not correct the eyes and mouth area, but she did complete the rest of the piece to her credit.
“11th Doctor Portrait (Matt Smith)” Sharpie on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2014 (18 years old)
This year was Danielle O’Keefe’s year of portraits. 2013 was a more productive year for Danielle. Her drawing seemed more enjoyable again, probably due to an overall improvement in her health over the previous year. Her subjects were also more fun and relaxed, but focused mainly on characters and portraits.
Danielle O’Keefe’s Year of Portraits – Having Fun with Characters.
“Mickey Mouse” Colored Pencil on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2013 (17 years old)
“10th Doctor Portrait (David Tennant)” Sharpie on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2013 (17 years old)
“Watercolor Study” Watercolor on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2013 (17 years old)
2012 Was pretty laid back for Danielle with respect to drawing. Some years were harder than others because of health complications with Danielle’s Epidermolysis Bullosa. When she did draw many times it was to relieve stress and anxiety from not feeling well. Her artwork was very expressive in design and pattern motifs, and not the focused and highly detailed drawings from her previous year. Please enjoy these drawings during Danielle O’Keefe’s year of artistic expression.
Danielle O’Keefe’s Year of Artistic Expression – Pattern Drawings
“Pattern 1” Pen & Ink on Paper, Danielle O’Keefe, 2012 (16 years old)
“Pattern 2” Pen & Ink on Paper, Danielle O’Keefe, 2012 (16 years old)
2011 was by far Danielle O’Keefe’s year of artistic growth. Her drawings are much more realistic, with greater depth and perspective. Her portraits “Avril Lavigne” and “Study in Pointillism” really demonstrate her improved understanding of the human face and form. It was with the aid of school art lessons, as seen in her drawings “Colored Pencil Study 1” and “Perspective Study 1“, that she took her skills to the next level.
Danielle O’Keefe’s Year of Artistic Growth – Realistic Drawings
“Avril Lavigne” Graphite on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2011 (15 years old)
“Study of Pointillism” Pen & Ink on Paper Danielle O’Keefe 2011 (15 years old)
“Colored Pencil Study 1” Colored Pencil on Paper Danielle O’Keefe, 2011 (15 years old)
“Perspective Study 1” Graphite on Paper Danielle O’Keefe, 2011 (15 years old)