From the Hospital to the Art Studio; O’Neal Talks About Her Second Career

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on Fayette County Artist Linda O’Neal.

1)What is your business?

I am an Artist - Art by Linda O’Neal

2.) How did you get started?

I have always had an interest in art, but never had the time to pursue it because of raising two boys most of the time as a single parent and holding down a full time job as a Surgical Nurse. After my children were older I decided to start taking art classes at Houston Art League and soon found I could not get enough. I went from drawing classes, to painting with watercolor, acrylic, oil and mixed medium. I found art was my quiet place that I could go and just create. My goal was to find something I could enjoy at any age and never expecting I would excel to where I was selling my paintings.

3.) How long have you been in business?

I have been painting for 18 years now and feel I have just gotten started. I have shown in different galleries in Texas, participated in different Art Shows and presently my work is being shown in Antica Collection, Inc which is in Market Hill Complex.

4.) What kind of service’s do you provide at your place of work?

After finding how much joy and the feeling of accomplishment my paintings brought me, I felt I wanted to share as much of my knowledge of art and exposure to anyone that ever thought of painting or creating, or even did not. I feel everyone has some creativity in them. I decided to open up my Art studio atThe White House on the Hill once a week to anyone that is an artist at any level or inspiring to be an artist to come together to learn and share from each other for free. I now have over 40 artists that come off and on to create together and have even had our first art show in the Round Top Town Hall during the Winter Show. The Art Show was a success.

5.) My First career?

I trained as a Surgical First Assistant Registered Nurse. My nursing career was working with several different Plastic Surgeons which explains my creative and artistic side without even realizing it.

6.) What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

I feel we are always changing in our lives and we should not limit ourselves to one path.

Taking a leap of faith and trying different careers and outside activities only keeps your mind bright and youthful.

7.) Do you believe in college, trade school, or any training?

I do believe there are many different ways of training and to be successful there is not only one way to achieve it. Find out what you love and follow it.

8.) How did you decide to give the name to your business?

It was easy to find my name Art By Linda O’Neal because it is what it is.

9.) What are some things you’ve learned through your business and your life?

What I have learned it is great to plan where you are going, but sometimes roads do detour and it might be the best thing to follow the detour.

10.) What makes you laugh?

Many things make me laugh. Laughter is a strong medicine that brings your loved ones, family and friends closer together, I look for every opportunity to do so. I love the smiles on the faces of emerging artist have on their faces when they create something that they see beauty in.