John O'Neill

John O’Neill is an Aberdeen based painter and printmaker, working mainly in oils and watercolour. Working in the studio allows John to start large projects based on sketches and photos from mostly Scottish locations and to complete work started outdoors, developing his own hardy approach to plein air painting.

‘There is a sense of freedom and intensity of subject when painting outdoors. The weather can change, so can the light.’

Inspired by his experience of landscape, O’Neill specialises in painting scenes that residents might see every day. He also works to capture ubiquitous scenes like Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Harbour, Tobermory and Edinburgh streetscapes.

John has appeared on Sky’s Landscape Artist of the Year from 2019 to 2023 and was resident artist at the International School in Stavanger, Norway. He has exhibited in Aberdeen City Gallery, galleries in the UK and Scandinavia, including the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in London.