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.

 

She is proud to be represented by Wild Horse Gallery in Steamboat Springs, CO.

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Her strong following includes collectors and exhibits throughout the U.S.

 

Recent highlights include:

 

 Plein Air Montana Invitational; Bozeman, MT 2023

 Bozeman Art Museum RMPAP Reunion Show, 2021  

 Plein Air For The Park;  2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

                * Purchase Awards 2016, 2017, 2018

                * GTNP Superintendent’s Purchase Award 2012*

                * Award of Merit 2013*

   Steamboat Springs Plein Air; 2018

   Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters National Events;

          Jackson Hole, WY; 2006             

          Pagosa Springs, CO; 2011

                * Artists Choice Award, Best Body of Work 2011*

          Crested Butte, CO; 2010

          Winter Park, CO; 2006, 2007, 2008

          Tucson, AZ; 2005

          Estes Park, CO; 2004, 2005

                * Award of Merit 2004*

   Grand Canyon Association’s Plein Air On The Rim; 2010, 2012

   Artist-in-Residence, Joshua Tree National Park; 2009

   San Luis Obispo Plein Air; San Luis Obispo, CA; 2008

   Intermountain Society Of Artists, Invited Guest Speaker; Salt Lake City, UT; 2008

   Sonoma Plein Air Event; Sonoma, CA; 2004, 2005, 2007

   Grand Teton Association Artist In The Environment; 2006, 2011, 2014

   National Museum of Wildlife Art; Jackson, WY;

          Plein Air Fest; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

          25 Fables, Aesop's Animals Illustrated; 2016

          Trophy Art: 2014

          Silverspot, A Graphic Novel; 2012

          The Exquisite Animal; 2012

          Out Of The Box Exhibit, 2007

   Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Plein Air; Tucson, AZ; 2005

   Carmel Plein Air Event; Carmel, CA; 2004

   Guest Artist, Maynard Dixon Country Paint Out; Mt. Carmel, UT; 2004

 

O’Connor has studied with some of the West’s most prominent artists through the Scottsdale Artists School and the Fechin Institute.  A former Board Director and long time Member of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, she makes her home at the base of Teton Pass in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.