I love communicating what I see and experience, and I find a perfect vehicle for this expression in drawing and painting. I love the place that complete absorption in these activities takes me to. There is a sense of magic and wonder in the act of creation, and for better or worse, engagement in a piece of work always defies one's expectations.

My work revolves around the depiction of the figure, and although I am often inspired by subjects away from the human form, that is my first love and I always return to it.

In my figure work I love the challenge of relating not only a likeness but all the myriad, transient, emotions I feel when I study a person's face, movements or mannerisms. This study takes place constantly. I apply this scrutiny and sensitivity of response to all other subjects I tackle. The media I use ranges from the use of oil paint to drawing with light sources before a camera.

Francis O'Neill is a young Manchester born artist who works from his studio base in Oxford, where he teaches Drawing and Painting classes. In 2008 he enjoyed success with his exhibition, The Binsey Collection, and the accompanying gift book 'The Stick Man's Guide to Life and Art.'
Francis is Life Drawing Tutor at Trinity and Magdalen Colleges. In 2006 he won the Elizabeth Greenshields Award for Figurative painting.

For more information please see www.francisoneill.net

Classes for 2010:

Life Drawing
Tuesdays 7-9pm
Sundays 7-9pm
Price: £60/ 6 sessions or £12/session (£10 concessions)

Saturdays 10am- 1pm
Price £90/6 sessions or £17.50/session (£15 concessions)

Portrait Class
Thursdays 7-9pm
Price: £60/6 session or £12/session (£10 concessions)