About the Artist
Charles O'Mara is a Mississippi artist. His attraction to visual arts began with the simple pleasure of winning a grade school art award. Inspired by artists in his family, he later developed a lifelong interest in nature and wildlife photography as an expression of his attraction to visual arts and his love of being outdoors. Before retiring from a career as a vascular surgeon, he helped develop an institutional Healing Arts program at University of Mississippi Medical Center, which gave witness to the value of visual and performing arts in supporting a person's path to healing and wellness. Charles started painting in watercolor shortly before retiring, then transitioned to oils, initially with a self-taught approach in both mediums. He later joined Bob Tompkins Studio, where he continues painting in oils as well as watercolor and pastels. Learning about art is an ongoing process that provides Charles with enjoyment and inspiration. He has participated in many painting workshops and mentorships with outstanding regional and national artists, including Bob Tompkins, Stephanie Birdsall, Susan Wellington, Shanna Kunz, Kim Casebeer, Susan Patton, Carol Roark, Roger Dale Brown, Skip Whitcomb, Matt Smith, Qiang Huang, Kathie Odom, Scott Macpherson, Greg Barnes, Dawn Whitelaw, Suzie Baker, and Glenda Schaffer. Charles also strives to learn from the process of painting as much and as often as he can.
Artist’s Statement
With a deep appreciation for the power of beautiful art, my goal is to produce paintings that speak truth and provide beauty while evoking an emotional response that engages the viewer with the artwork in an exchange of thoughts and feelings. I look forward to continually learning, evolving, and improving both my artistic skills and my ability to perceive and render surroundings in a unique and authentic way. I strive to be active in the local and regional art communities, to interact often with other artists and with all who love art, and to give back at least some of the value I receive from the marvelous world of fine art. At the same time, I embrace acclaimed Mississippi artist Marshall Bouldin's inclusive belief that being an artist is about being sensitive to the issue or problem at hand and applying oneself in a deliberate, thoughtful, effective, and creative way. With this broad view, everyone has the opportunity to be an artist in various endeavors in which they're involved. And we should appreciate and celebrate true artists in roles and realms all around us.
Memberships
- Mississippi Artists Guild (MAG) - Member and past Associate Director
- Mississippi Oil Painters Association (MOPA) - Member
- Oil Painters of America (OPA) - Associate Member
- American Impressionist Society (AIS) - Associate Member
- Pastel Society of Mississippi - Member
Awards
- Honorable Mention, Mississippi Artists Guild Art Show, Pacesetter Gallery, 2022
- Betty Smith Award, Mississippi Artists Guild Art Show, Pacesetter Gallery, 2024
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- Note: Special thanks to friend and fellow plein air artist, Becky Frame, for taking and providing me with the photo above.
