The Artist, Francis O'Neill

He has travelled extensively, including a tour of major European art galleries made in 1997, a four month painting trip through Italy made in the year 2000, and between 2001 and 2002 he completed a twelve month research tour encompassing four continents, which served to develop his appreciation of the effects of environment, light and local materials on the production of art.

It was during this time that Francis first enjoyed the experience of an art residency, at Nieu Bethesda Art Centre in South Africa. On his return, Francis then taught drawing at Manchester Metropolitan University before going on to enjoy year long positions as artist in residence at Chenderit School, Northamptonshire, and at St. Mary’s College, Oxfordshire.

In 2005 he was appointed Figure Drawing tutor at St. Mary’s College, a post he holds part-time whilst working from his studio in Oxford where he lives.

Francis O’Neill began his art school training in his home town of Stockport in the north of England before completing a degree in Fine Art: Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art. He has exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, Stockport Gallery, The Sable Gallery, Edinburgh, and the Michael Heseltine Gallery. Northamptonshire. In 1997 at his National Diploma exhibition he was awarded a sponsor’s prize for excellence and in both 2000 and 2003, he was awarded a drawing scholarship by the Salford Sports and Arts Trust.