
Tony O'Connor
"Faoi Gheasa"
Born in Kerry, Southwest Ireland, O’Connor studied fine art at Crawford College of Art & Design and also gained his higher diploma in art education. Today, O’Connor works at his Cork-based White Tree Studio, creating ever more sought-after pieces of art.
With a disciplined approach in his study of horse anatomy, O’Connor puts a great emphasis on technical execution. As with much of his work, the void of background and simplicity of the pieces serve to highlight the natural physical perfection of these animals. The result of O’Connor’s innate aptitude for draughtsmanship and his lifelong passion for horses is a body of beautifully evocative paintings that capture the unique power, grace, and nobility of the equine form.
O’Connor's love of horses stems from his childhood. Some of his earliest memories are those of his grand-uncle, Mossie, working in his dark smoke-filled forge, shoeing local horses and ponies. Influenced by the Renaissance Masters, O’Connor takes his style of drawing from the Silverpoint pieces of Da Vinci and the drawings of Michelangelo. His work now forms part of many private and corporate collections worldwide. Additionally, O’Connor has hosted several Master Class Workshops and has embarked on an exciting new venture as Resident Artist at the Equine Art Retreat in Oklahoma, America.
Thrilled to have lifted two awards through the prestigious Ex Arte Equinus International Art Competition, O’Connor was also awarded the Best Creative Equestrian 2013 in the Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMAs) and Best Creative Equestrian 2014 - this time, winning both the Judges’ Choice and the People’s Choice.