Back to the Artist Page

John O'Shea Biography
Born in Ballintaylor County, Waterford, Ireland, O’Shea immigrated to New York City at age 16.  While living in Brooklyn, he studied at the Adelphi Academy and the Art Students League, and worked for a short time at Tiffany & Company as an artisan-engraver.  O’Shea moved to Pasadena in 1913 and was active there for about four years before settling on the Monterey Peninsula.  Maintaining studios in his homes in the Carmel Highlands, Pebble Beach, and Carmel, he became active in the local art colony, serving as director-president of the Carmel Art Association.  Primarily an oil painter, he was equally facile with watercolor and charcoal.  His bold, vibrant style is reminiscent of the Post-Impressionists Cezanne and Van Gogh.