A show of works by NSAA Artist Members Tom Gill and Mary Rose O’Connell. Presented in the Gordon Grant Room Gallery. Reception Sunday, August 8th 1pm-3pm. Open free to the public.
Mary Rose O’Connell, a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, is a classically trained artist working in various genres. She is primarily an oil painter with concentrations in portrait, landscape, marine and still life paintings. Her paintings and commission works are done in both oil and acrylic with a wide variety of options from gallery wrap to gilded framing. The paintings are often done from life and may also be done from high quality photographs when desired. In pursuit of her artistic training Mary Rose had many years of formal training in the Boston School tradition . Mary Rose’s work shows the benefit of a strong grounding in draftsmanship and design. This style of painting is done in natural light and is influenced by the beautiful colors of the Impressionists.
Noted artist, Tom Gill was born in Lowell, MA but raised in Chelmsford, MA where he started painting at a young age. He had his fine art education at the Art Institute of Boston. Some artists that he admires include J.C. Leyendecker, who was a mentor to Norman Rockwell who he also admires. Another favorite is Anders Zorn, a Swedish artist.
Tom who was also a rock musician in the 1980’s, developed his own style of painting. He notes,” I feel like I’m making music when I’m painting- and that’s why there is rhythm in my artwork.” The result is always loose and impressive with harmonious color that interplay with light.
Well known in this region, the artist is a member of the North Shore Arts Association, the Rockport Art Association and Museum, the Lowell Art Association, and the Chelmsford Art Society. He has presented over 100 demonstrations for many art groups. He also has been a judge for various events including The Greeley Park Art Show in Nashua, NH.
The Enterprise Bank owns many of Tom’s works in their collection displayed in their 26 branch offices. “His paintings are the centerpiece in all of our branches and some of our offices,” says founder and chairman of the Enterprise Bank, George Duncan. The artist just completed his 26th Enterprise Bank in North Andover, MA.
Gill also displays his paintings in hospitals. Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Boston, 6 paintings, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, 6 paintings, and 4 paintings for the Lowell Community Health Center. Select Solo Shows include The Whistler House Museum of Art, The Rockport Art Association, The North Shore Arts Association and The Brush Gallery. He was also one of four featured artists at The Massachusetts State House.
