Carleen O'Connor-Rivera, Munster, IN

Oil 

A life-long Indiana resident, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University. Originally concentrating on pastels as my medium, I have exhibited regionally and nationally, and had a one person show at the Club de Ejecutivos in Cali, Colombia. 

I discovered Plein Air painting in the last two years, and now devotes much of my time painting in oils. I participate in many Plein Air competitions in the state and regionally.  I am a member of the Pastel Society of America, Signature member of the Chicago Pastel Painters, Duneland Plein Air Painters, Signature member of the Hoosier Salon, and a member of the Indiana Artist’s Club.

My work is part of many private and corporate collections, including Hyatt Hotels, the estate of the late Honorable Jane Byrne, Mayor of Chicago, and, most recently, the American Museum of Midwest Art in Elkhart, Indiana has acquired my painting, ”Immersion”, for their permanent collection.

My specialty is light and shadow and painting natural scenes around me. Most recently, as time passes even more quickly each year, I want to portray history, both mine and the area where I live. Recording the changes for posterity.