Regan O'Neill

Art Exhibition Painter

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Regan O’Neill was born and raised in Cairns, North Queensland with an active and outdoor lifestyle. Having completed her schooling in Cairns, Regan went on to study a diploma of Visual Art where she learnt to express herself through her art and experiment with various techniques. It was during this time Regan was asked to hang some of her paintings in a local gallery and they sold within the first week. Regan held her first solo art exhibition at the age of 18 in a hair salon in Cairns where she sold 15 of the 18 paintings on opening night. Since then, Regan has held twelve solo exhibitions, gaining a larger following each year.

Regan participates in countless group exhibitions including the Cairns Show every year, where she has claimed several awards such as Grand Champion of the Show and many first, seconds and third places. Regan has won 1st place in the Annual Cairns Art Society Exhibition at the Cairns Regional Gallery for a seascape, something she is very proud of. Over the years, Regan’s paintings have become very popular in North Queensland including Cairns, Port Douglas and Mission Beach, with her use of bright colours and fun subjects such as flowers, beaches, reef fish, sailing boats and abstract compositions attracting repeat buyers.

People from all over the world have bought her paintings including actress Eva Mendes and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Regan’s work constantly changes as she experiments with different techniques, always searching for new inspiration and creativity. Three of her favourite artists are Australian; Ken Done, Brett Whitely and Tania Heben. Regan has met with Ken Done (Sydney) and Tania Heben (Port Douglas), both artists providing extensive knowledge and sharing ideas for her work and career.

Regan with Ken Done and his daughter
Regan with Ken Done and his daughter Camilla.

Regan moved to Brisbane in March 2012 and teamed up with Brisbane fashion designer Rebecca Richardson, to create her own clothing label called ‘Tangella’. The fabric print is inspired by Regan’s original artwork making the garments unique and individual, they consisted of kaftans, maxi dresses, leggings and kaftan tops.

Brisbane Sofitel Fashion Show 2013
Clothing range inspired by Regan O’Neill’s original artwork

Regan now lives in her home town Cairns, surrounded by tropical beauty and endless inspiration. She paints from her home studio with views across the Cairns Inlet and holds art classes for groups or one on one.

Some of Regan’s favourite things are camping and fishing, the smell of basil, penny farthings, flowers and mud crab. Her personality is vibrant and fun, just like her artwork. Regan is a big believer in giving back to the community, sitting on voluntary committees such as Cairns Art Society and Cell Art Space for several years. She donates her paintings to various charities throughout Australia to help them raise money and awareness.

Regan’s artwork is display and for sale at: Cest Bon French Restaurant, Care Chiropractic Queensland, Dare Beauty Salon, DK Quality Tiles and Tiny’s on Grafton.

Regan currently has an exhibition at the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns until the 1st March 2016.