Overview
JOHN O'DONNELL
selected by John Lessore
John O'Donnell (b.1948) studied at Camberwell School of Art and the Royal Academy School. Creating brightly coloured and deeply contrasted portraits and still lifes, O'Donnell's portraits possess a fondness and psychological ferocity, manifesting the deep connection between the painter and his sitter.
I have always found that working as a painter has given me a focus, a link with nature and great strength. The interaction of meeting other people in the arts is rewarding and gives me a sense of belonging. - John O'Donnell
O' Donnell's work amazes through its power. And draughtsmanship, as in the paintings of people, add to this pure colour. How does he create gentle still-lifes of flowers or tender glimpses of Peckham? The brutality of his brush belies the soft mystery of a rare vision, so unlike contemporary figurative painting. - John Lessore
John O'Donnell and John Lessore, 2024 by Antonio Parente