Erin O’Brien Brings Your Walls to LifeUpon entering O’Brien’s studio the first item that catches your attention is a life like painting of three young boys. The painting was immaculate; the clarity was so precise that I could’ve sworn it was in HD. The beauty of this painting reminded me of another great painting done by a superb renaissance artist: “Portrait of the Artist Brother and Sisters by Sofonisba Anguissola”. Once inside I had the pleasure to make the acquaintance of O’Brien’s dear friend Betty. O’Brien was very humble, and without the help of Betty I wouldn’t have been able to pry some of O’Brien’s outstanding accomplishments out of her.
O’Brien is a California native and has been artistically active for most of her life. As a young girl she began mastering the portraits of pets. If any of you out there are animal lovers you might have recognized O’Brien’s murals at the animal hospitals in Ventura and Camarillo. The murals consist of dogs decked out in scrubs tending to their fellow animals. O’Brien stated that the best compliment she ever received was when a “Rottweiler was brought in and began to bark at my mural”. The artist prides herself on not being one dimensional. Her talents range from fine art on oil and acrylic canvases to murals, and illustrations for children’s books to faux finishes.
O’Brien’s expertise and professionalism have led to her creating murals and props for organizations such as CBS Studios, the Moorpark Melodrama Theater, Alliance Church, and the Simi Valley Women’s Club. The artist also expressed a desire and passion to teach her methods of faux finishes. When asked what exactly faux finish was O’Brien proudly proclaimed that it “Brings your walls to life”! O’Brien then gave me a huge smile and handed me some photos of hallways and kitchens, they were very beautiful. I was wondering why I was looking at tile and granite designs, it did however awaken my inner Bob Villa. O’Brien and Betty then pointed out that what I was looking at was not granite or tile, but the faux finishes that O’Brien excels at.
Erin O’Brien describes her art as “powerful and inspiring, designed to reach the souls of all who gaze upon her work”. As our time together came to an end, O’Brien reiterated that though she “creates different and original pieces of art, what pleases her most is the looks of overwhelming astonishment from the viewers faces of her finished products”. Before I left, I asked if there was a message that she wanted to get out, she proclaimed once again with her motto, “Bring your walls to life”! My visit with Erin O’Brien and Betty definitely left me hopeful and wanting more. During these hard economic times, I believe O’Brien’s work enlightens our dark age the way Raphael and Michelangelo enlightened theirs.
For info on faux finish classes or inquiries for paintings and murals, feel free to contact Erin O’Brien @ 805.501.2929 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.