Tim O'Brien

Biography

I am a full-time artist, author and tutor. During my 39-year art career I have enjoyed working with a broad range of clients and subject matter (Landscapes, architecture, animals to transport - ships, cars and aerospace), having started out as a Commercial Artist in the world of advertising & marketing I now concentrate on fine art, print-making and tuition. Painting and drawing has always been a passion from an early age, growing-up in a creative family. It wasn't until I was 8 years old that I started drawing more seriously, initially copying comic book illustrations. Then in 1983, not long after I joined the Air Training Corps as a teenager, I received my first commission, an aviation painting from a fellow air cadet. This snowballed into a career that has seen me collaborate on projects with the UK Armed Forces. I have been fortunate to have been invited to join the military in the field, spending several days at sea with the Royal Navy on board HMS Illustrious and Ocean and flying in a range of aircraft with the Navy and the RAF from the Sea King helicopter, VC10 and Tristar tankers through to historic aircraft such as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota and Lancaster making mental observations, sketches and taking photos for use back in the studio. I achieved a Certificate of Education (Adult Education) in 2004 from Trent University. I am a Friend of the ROI and exhibited in 2019 The Artist Open exhibition at Patchings Art Centre and the 2020 online show. I also had two paintings pre-selected for the 2021 RSMA annual exhibition with one exhibited. For my first solo exhibition, I was invited to display my work at the Royal Air Force Club, Piccadilly, London in 2015, which led to my largest commission to date which was to paint 25 new paintings for their dining-room that overlooks Green Park.