Dianne O'Neill

Dianne O'Neill
April 2011, NYSWOCP Member of the Month

I first found china painting at a craft show about 25 years ago. Love at first sight. I did have trouble finding a teacher in my area that taught at night, as I worked days. I did find one, but unfortunately she became ill, so I was only able take lessons from her for a couple of years. She belonged to this great club, Fort Stanwix Porcelain Artists of which I became a member. I learned a lot from other members which I believe that's the main purpose of belonging to a china club. Everyone is so helpful and shares tips and new ideas. I love the new ideas coming to us. China painting has evolved.

My main love is portraits and animals. I have 8 grandchildren, 21 to 4 years old. I started painting their portraits on Christmas ornaments when the first one was born. I stopped when they graduated from high school. It is so neat to see 18 years of my granddaughter and grandson on one tree. It also really shows my improvement too. You can see our Christmas tree in the photos.

I think china painting is the most unique art form. No other medium shows the 3-dimensions like china painting. It is so fascinating, I still marvel at it. I still can't wait to open the kiln in the morning to see how the portraits have come to life.

I have been married for 48 years and have 4 daughters. I have just recently started teaching, and found out that I love this. My youngest daughter started painting with me, and she found out that she loves it and finds it relaxing. Her daughter, my granddaughter, has also started painting. She is only 8 and she is doing great. My daughter shares my love of portraits and did a great job painting her two daughters after only about 2 years of painting.

I recently had a piece chosen (see photos) to be on display in Oklahoma City at the WOCP museum. It is a winter scene with fiberglass decoration which depicts icy branches. I also painted all 8 of my grandchildren with fiberglass in the background. This piece must have been fired at least 20 times as I could only paint portraits on one side at a time.

I love going to Cazenovia every year, where I can always learn something new. Hope to see you there.

This was provided by Dianne O'Neill

Fort Stanwix Porcelain Artists Convention Display Table

China painters from the Fort Stanwix porcelain artists club exhibited their artwork at the 2008 NYSWOCP convention. Photos of their display table are available, just click the photo to see them.