Marilyn , acrylic on wood Diana , acrylic on wood
termine the meaning of the juxtaposition of these two images .
I noticed that , throughout her paintings , O ’ Donnell ’ s style seems to be evolving . Early on in her artistic career , people warned her about changing her painting style , but she simply responded by saying , “ I need to be able to enjoy this .” Being stuck in a stylistic rut is the fastest way to become bored with painting . The primary people artists create work for are themselves , so staying with a specifi c style because it ’ s what other people expect of her is not an option for O ’ Donnell . “ I think that my work is recognizable as mine . I do a certain amount of one thing and then mix it up . I like to change up my style and I don ’ t want to keep doing the same thing over and over again .” Her work stays true to the pop-surrealist aesthetic . Pop culture references — mostly from the ’ 80s — bright colored hair , and her specifi c choice in colors encompass the pop-surrealist movement .
“ As an artist within the pop-surrealist movement , my biggest success is in these themed shows — if you want to get your work out there , it has to be through these shows .
I fi nd that there are certain themes I really enjoy more than others . I want to balance out the themed stuff with more content-driven work .” Looking at O ’ Donnell ’ s resume , she has representation in multiple galleries and is constantly showing work across the country . She freely gives away the secrets to her success .
O ’ Donnell ’ s advice : Do art shows . Do as many shows as you can . Find calls-to-artists for every show that you can , outside of where you live . If it ’ s at a frame shop or a co-op , just do the show . Your resume will be awesome
African Wild Dog , acrylic on wood Snow Leopard , acrylic on wood
Orlando Arts & Culture , v . 2.1
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