Love This! Sunny & Cheerful Still Lifes

When I look at a piece of art, I want to feel something. I know that sounds corny, but hear me out--it doesn't have to be something deep, as not all great art has some sort of high brow message--but I want to feel an emotion of some sort when/after looking at an artistic creation. 

One of my favorite emotions to feel after looking at a piece of art? Optimism. I like feeling lighter, uplifted, and happier after gazing at a painting for a few moments.

This doesn't always happen, but I find that the work that I would want in my home--the work that I am the most drawn to, time and time again--is colorful, positive, and points out some sort of hidden beauty in the world around us. 

Thus, my love for the work of today's featured artist, Karen O'Neil. Her paintings do just that: They make the world feel a little more beautiful and a little more special. Her still lifes are rather simple in subject matter, but just a glimpse at one of her paintings and you can see her amazing skill at capturing light and opacity and weight.

Lets take a look...

See what I mean? They're springy, soft, and filled with cheer, just the way I like it :) 

You can view more work by Karen O'Neil on her website and/or on her Facebook page. 

Have a sunny day, everyone!