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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.
Jennifer took up oil painting with her husband, John, in the year 2008. One notable feature in her paintings is her close attention to the smallest details. Jennifer O’Keefe’s warm use of color in oils is very reminiscent of the fall season, very warm and inviting. In addition to oil painting, Jennifer enjoys pastels and colored pencil mediums, not to mention her love of knitting, looming, jewelry making, photography, interior decorating and so on. When it comes to personal pursuits and hobbies, when your not being chased after by a barrage of daily responsibilities, why limit yourself?
Jennifer O’Keefe’s Warm Use of Color – 2008 Oil Paintings
“Peaceful Pond” Oil on Board, 8×10, Jennifer O’Keefe, 2008
“Palm Tree” Oil on Board, 7×5, Jennifer O’Keefe, 2008
“The Hummingbird” Oil on Board, 10×8, Jennifer O’Keefe, 2008, (Study from Time Magazine article)
“The Hummingbird” painting highlights a favorite theme for Jennifer. She has hummingbird decorations all throughout her home and in her garden. They are colorful, delicate and graceful creatures that can mesmerize a person. Her garden occasionally receives one of these visitors looking for nectar.
I hope you enjoyed looking at these paintings and Jennifer O’Keefe’s warm use of color in oils. Also, please check out Jennifer’s award winning photograph “Old Fashion Winter”.
In November, 2008, Danielle O’Keefe approached a Frame Shop named Landmark Gallery and Framing in Wallingford, Connecticut that is owned by Gillian Zimmerman and asked if she could display some of her artwork and a small display in support of National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week. Happily, Gillian agreed to host the exhibit and display that they called, “2008 Art Exhibit and Fund Raising Event” of Danielle O’Keefe”.
Danielle O’Keefe suffers from a genetic disorder known as Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa (commonly referred to as EB by sufferers of the disorder) affects the skin and surface areas of the body, which includes the eyes, mouth, teeth and all internal surfaces too. As a result, tears, blisters, bleeding sores and pain are a common part of everyday life for those that suffer with it. Because it is very rare, Danielle has a deep interest in spreading awareness of this disorder and her “2008 Art Exhibit and Fund Raising Event” at Landmark Gallery was her way to get the word out.
Danielle O’Keefe and Gillian Zimmerman (Gallery Owner)
In support of the event, Danielle also had a front page article written about her in a local newspaper. The article provides a touching summary of Danielle’s life struggles with EB, and how her family has rallied around her.
With the exposure from the exhibition and the printed article, Danielle was able to raise donations that she donated to an EB charity. Increasing awareness of EB is important for generating donations and the financial support needed to do research into a cure. Here is a letter, written in Danielle’s own words, that accompanied her artwork at Landmark Gallery.
Danielle’s personal letter displayed at the exhibition.
Art Exhibit of Danielle O’Keefe
“Parrot” 11×14, Oil on Board, Danielle O’Keefe, Spring 2008 (12 years old)
“Butterfly” 4×6, Oil on Board, Danielle O’Keefe, Summer 2007 (11 years old)
(Butterflies, with their delicate wings, have come to symbolize the fragility of the skin of EB patients.)
“Landscape” 8×12, Acrylic on Paper, Danielle O’Keefe, 2002 (6 years old)
(During a hospitalization for a skin infection, Danielle created the painting named, “Landscape”.)
Newspaper Articles about Danielle’s Early Life
In addition to the successful exhibition to spread awareness of EB locally, below are two articles about Danielle, her daily struggle with EB, and its effect on her entire family. The first article about Danielle was published in 1998 and the second article was published in 2008. Both articles were written by journalist Jeffery Kurz for ‘The Record Journal’ located in Meriden, Connecticut. The files are large in size and may take a few moments to download. (Articles By: Jeffery Kurz, Photography: Chris Angileri)
“Everything is Complicated” The Record Journal (Nov 3, 2008)
“Danielle’s Burden” The Record Journal (Nov 1,1998)
Epidermolysis Bullosa Information
Overall, Danielle’s experience with 2008 National EB Awareness Week was a success. To further promote EB awareness, below are links to organizations that are helping families and the medical community in the search for a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America
The Picture Framer & Gallery, Cheshire, Connecticut
My first Solo Exhibition by the Picture Framer & Gallery was excellent! In these early days, and with a lot of effort on my part, my renewed love of creating art and entrance into the local art scene was moving fairly quickly.
(See my paintings hanging inside)
Solo Exhibition – Event Literature and Promotional
We held the reception despite a visit by tropical storm Hanna. Even though the poor weather discouraged most from attending the exhibit reception, we had a good group. Jennifer and I learned later that our local county was under a tornado warning during the event. Still, people came to see the exhibition opening, and I had the opportunity to talk with them about my paintings. We had refreshments and a good conversation. I was delighted with my first solo exhibit.
I selected eleven works to exhibit at The Picture Framer & Gallery throughout September. One of the more miniature paintings had sold, and another was still on exhibition at the Mystic Art Center. Therefore I had a mix of originals and reproductions displayed. The quality of the reproductions is so good that several visitors commented that they could not tell the difference between the originals and the reproductions.
Solo Exhibition – People that have helped me!
Below are pictures of me with people who have helped promote my art business.
Ann Hearn owns and operates The Picture Framer & Gallery
Joan Shackford is the current President of the Cheshire Art League
Solo Exhibition – Some Final Thoughts!
Below are pictures of friends and family that have encouraged and supported me. So many people supported me with Solo Exhibition by The Picture Framer & Gallery. Thank you!
Sue Smith Close family friend
John O’Keefe Sr. (Dad – far left) Lynn Ambrosini (Mom – left) Jennifer O’Keefe (Wife – right)
In 2008 I was approached by the owner of The Picture Framer & Gallery, Ann Hearn, in Cheshire, Connecticut. Ann wanted to host a solo exhibition for me and my paintings. Of course, I said yes to my first solo exhibition. There was a Record-Journal Article by Jesse Stanley in conjunction with the show.
The Interview – Record Journal Article
Jesse Stanley and I knew each other from previous articles he wrote about my daughter and her lifelong struggles with a debilitating skin condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa. As he did when writing her pieces, he came to the house with a photographer and interviewed me about my mid-life journey into landscape oil painting. He also printed the dates of my solo exhibition at the Picture Framer & Gallery. The cover story was titled “Painting puts beginner in a zone.” Following is a copy of the 2008 Record Journal Article by Jesse Stanley.
(Click on the article to open in a new browser window.)
Knowing thousands of people would read this article about me was a strange feeling. As I mentioned earlier, I had been through the process before when Jesse wrote about my daughter’s health struggles. In those instances, the family was trying to build awareness of her condition in our local community, hoping that people would contribute to research and ongoing work to find a cure. However, it was only about me and painting this time, so I was more self-conscious. Jesse did a great job!
The 52nd Regional Exhibit by Mystic Art Association was my third group exhibition. Participating in this exhibit was more costly because it was far from home. Subsequently, each trip to the exhibition hall was a 1-hour 45-minute drive one way, and I had to go three times. In order: the first trip was for drop-off, the second for the reception, and then lastly, the pick-up. Also, it was a family trip each time that included eating out, gas, etc. As a result, it was a time-consuming and costly adventure. However, I needed to connect with the art scene, meet people and make contacts.
Event Literature – 52nd Regional Exhibition by Mystic Art Association
Another excellent opening reception is at the Mystic Art Center on August 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The gallery was packed, and I was surprised to get into this show after seeing all the beautiful paintings dropped off during the receiving hours. Upon arrival at the opening reception, I was further surprised to see my artwork hanging in the main gallery directly next to the first-place winner. Therefore, I could not have asked for a better-hanging location.
John O’Keefe Jr and “River Through the Adirondacks”
Main Gallery, “River Through the Adirondacks” hangs to the right of 1st prize winner!
Main Gallery
Meeting other Artists – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Later, after the awards ceremony, Jennifer and I had time to mingle with the other artists. Before the evening ended, we met several artists, some of whom you can see in the following pictures.
Edward Bissel and his wife (left) Jennifer and John O’Keefe Jr (right)
Jennifer and John O’Keefe Jr (left) Annelie Skoog and David Madacsi (right) (Showing our artworks that did not get accepted into the Exhibit.)
Overall I had another excellent experience at the 52 Regional Exhibition by the Mystic Art Association. Even though the journey from my home to the venue is long, I definitely would like to exhibit with them again.
About the Judge – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Susan Swinand
Susan Swinand is a visual artist from the Philadelphia area who has been living and working in Shrewsbury, MA, since 1984. She has taught painting at the Worcester Art Museum in central MA for over 20 years and was an adjunct painting and design instructor at Clark University from 1992 to 2004. She also currently teaches painting classes in the greenhouses of Wellesley College.
Susan graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia in 1965. An Emily Sartain fellowship allowed her to travel in Europe and to study in Austria with Italian painter Emilio Vedova. On her return, she attended the Barnes Foundation for two years, where she studied the Philosophy and Appreciation of Art.
She has been active in many art organizations, serving on the boards of Moore College of Art, ArtsWorcester, and the Artists’ Equity Association. Also, she was president of Philadelphia Artists Equity in 1978-80, receiving their Distinguished Service Award in 1981. Additionally, she was the director of the ArtsWorcester Gallery at the Forum Theatre for many years.
Her work has been exhibited in over a hundred juried, invitational, solo, and group shows. 1, 2
Footnotes:
Image of Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.
Bio information for Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.
