Hi. I’m Clare O’Neill. I’m a photographer and artist and I help artists all over the world turn their photographs into one-of-a-kind images that they love.

I was fascinated with encaustic the first time I saw an encaustic painting and immediately wanted to incorporate my photographs with this ancient wax-based medium. I knew nothing of the medium, the process, or if it would work with photographs. I just knew I had to give it a try.

I experimented with mounting images to my substrate, printing on tissue paper and photo transfers. I found the magic of the tissue paper process gives me the most depth, texture and visual interest.     

My work is created by making slowly building up the surface with multiple layers—using bold brush strokes and playful drips to create backgrounds full of gesture, spontaneity, and motion. My work is large, so the photographs are printed on tissue paper in multiple pieces, and then carefully embedded into the layers of hot beeswax.

I’ve spent the last 10 years teaching photo encaustic (both online and in-person), showing and selling my work.

I believe wholeheartedly that learning artistic techniques is like learning to drive a manual transmission car. You need to master the nuance of using a clutch and shifting and this no doubt takes some practice. But once it becomes second nature, getting on the open road is what is exciting, reinvigorating, and magical. 

I’m most proud of teaching my students to go beyond the techniques, to hone their vision, make meaningful images, find their own artistic voice, and understand ‘why’ they are creating the work they create.  

To see more of my work visit  www.ClareONeill.com