Hello, My name is jo ohara and I have been attracted to nature, wildlife and art since I was a young child.

I have always pursued some kind of artistic and creative work throughout my life, whether it be a craft or an art.

Other than a year of industrial design many many years ago and one or 2 pottery courses over the years, I am completely self taught.

I describe my work as "Let It Be" - "as is" not knowing any form of perfection other than as it is. It is how I try to look at myself and be with others-just as the animals do.

Along with that there have alw...

Hello, My name is jo ohara and I have been attracted to nature, wildlife and art since I was a young child.

I have always pursued some kind of artistic and creative work throughout my life, whether it be a craft or an art.

Other than a year of industrial design many many years ago and one or 2 pottery courses over the years, I am completely self taught.

I describe my work as "Let It Be" - "as is" not knowing any form of perfection other than as it is. It is how I try to look at myself and be with others-just as the animals do.

Along with that there have always been animals in my life from dogs and cats to moose, bears and birds living in remote and beautiful areas where they abound.

My gallery displays my love of animals and people together.

I am somewhat of a gypsy, usually on the move and was delighted that I bonded with soft pastels as a paint medium as they suit my small space and nomadic living. All of this work is soft pastel on pastel paper.
Although some background have been digitally altered I do not consider the paintings mixed media. The originals are all soft pastel which can be rephotographed without the enhanced backgrounds.
Generally I have chosen the backgrounds and like them as they are. If yu really like a painting but not the digital I can reshoot as time permits.

Fascinated by cultures of the world and as an altruistic soul I have several paintings where the proceeds of the sale are donated from 50-100% to a humane animal cause. These are typically noted.

Thank you for viewing my gallery and if you have comments I'd love to hear them.