Daniel O'Neill (painter)

Daniel O'Neill (1920-1964) was a largely self-taught Irish romantic and expressionist painter, best known for his depictions of melancholic figures and evocative landscapes, often featuring stylized women with long necks and flowing hair.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, O'Neill came from a working-class background and his early life was marked by hardship. He worked in various manual labor jobs before dedicating himself to painting. Although he received no formal art education, he was briefly associated with the Belfast Art Society.

O'Neill's distinctive style drew inspiration from various sources, including the Italian Renaissance, Modigliani, and the Irish countryside. He developed a unique visual language characterized by elongated figures, muted colors, and a dreamlike atmosphere. His paintings often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Despite achieving significant commercial success during his lifetime, particularly in the 1950s and early 1960s, O'Neill's work was not always critically acclaimed. Some critics dismissed his paintings as overly sentimental or formulaic. However, his popularity with the public endured, and his works continue to be sought after by collectors.

O'Neill struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his early death at the age of 44. Despite his relatively short career, he left behind a substantial body of work that continues to resonate with viewers. His paintings are held in numerous public and private collections.