The Energy of Nature: The Art of Billyo O'Donnell

I had the honor of visiting the nationally recognized artist Billyo O’Donnell’s amazing home and studio recently for the remembrance in honor of his late wife, Peggy.  My friend, Barbara Washington, who sang at the event, accompanied me.  Once there, I immediately felt serenity and peace surrounding me, along with friendly and caring people.

Billyo, Julie, and Barbara's Granddaughter, Harley. Photo by Author.

After incredible food, powerful singing by Barbara, and lovely folk music, I set out to see Billyo’s studio.  Like his home, it is an historic log structure, with lots of character and warmth.  The area where subjects sit for portraits is in one corner.  His artwork lines the walls, inspiring the viewer to look deeper.  

Billyo's Studio. Photo by Author.

Billyo says he is “focused on the visual experience working from life and in the studio to develop the surface quality of a painting that is rich in texture. I often play with how the two relate or struggle for the viewer’s attention, how the surface language takes you from the image and into the paint and brings about a language all its own in structure and abstraction through the marks.” (www.billyoart.com) 

Interior of Billyo's Studio. Photo by Author.

He continues, “It’s the experience of painting outside. The snow, strong wind, cold, muggy heat, mosquitoes, they all remind me of life and how we must stay focused and keep pushing on. As I think about masses, color, relationships, the harmony of the piece, value, strokes and textures and combine them with the energy of the land and the environment around me, it transcends the quality of staying focused and persevering in life.” (www.helenafoxfineart.com)

Interior of Billyo's Studio. Photo by Author.

Billyo’s book, Painting Missouri, features a landscape portrait from all one hundred fourteen counties in Missouri, and the City of St. Louis. 

It was a great pleasure to meet Billyo and lose myself in the sights and sounds of nature at his home.  It was a lovely day to remember Peggy and feel her powerful presence in the wind.