Featured Artist Cheri O’Brien

Using a whimsical folk art style, painter Cheri O’Brien’s work contains multiple layers of meaning. See more of her art by visiting her website.

 

 

My work is narrative, colorful and appeals to people on multiple levels. While initially my work may seem charming, the viewer uncovers layers of meaning that continually reveal themselves with each successive viewing. I don’t limit my subject matter as I find inspiration in what life has to offer. Humor is an important ingredient.

 

 

My first love is circus themes which I have been painting since 1988. In the painting “The Ringmaster,” the central figure dramatically stands on his trusty steed. He is quite pleased with his horsemanship abilities.

 

 

From the circus, I find inspiration in rodeo and western characters such as “Frank Shows the Dudes How It Is Done.”

 

 

Not wanting the ladies to miss out on the fun I painted “Miss Sally Sue Wows the Crowd” showing Miss Sally on her faithful stallion.

 

 

I have been painting portraits of my daughters since 1986 and continue to do so with my latest series from 2015 which includes pensive ballerinas, red-headed urchins and melancholy cowgirls and cowboys (known here as “The Kid” and “Little Dove”).

 

 

Children are an interesting subject matter as they can be quite serious, honest and delightful.

 

 

My landscapes also have their own mysterious drama through my choice of color and subject matter—from mission churches as in “San Miguel Mission, Autumn” to a dreaming woman in “Prayers for Santo Nino.”

 

 

Both are inspired by New Mexico.

 

 

In “Heading Out” one wonders about the working farmer and his solitary life where sometimes his only companions are his team of mules.

 

 

Finally, I love to make people laugh so I come back to funny paintings such as “Buffalo Bill Wonders If His Shirt is Too Loud for the Rest of the Bills” in which part of the fun is thinking up a fitting title. I am spending most of my time in New Mexico which is a source of endless inspiration. With all these muses, my only plan is to enjoy the ride.

 

Artist Cheri O’Brien invites you to follow her on Facebook.

 

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