Cindi O'Mara

Cindi O’Mara is a native of Upstate New York where the love of natural forms integrated into her work. Cindi began her studies at Sage College (Junior College of Albany) and continued studies in fine art and art education at Nazareth College of Rochester. Studies in painting and drawing continued with several mentors and workshops. For several years she has lived and worked in Western New York.

As an Exhibiting Member of the Buffalo Society of Artists, Cindi served on the organization’s Board of Directors as president and Chair of the Exhibitions committee for several years. Cindi continues to work with the BSA and several Western New York arts organizations as a mentor to emerging artists and guide to several projects promoting the arts. Cindi’s work has been exhibited in many group and curated exhibitions through out Western New York and the state. Her work has been spotlighted in one-person and curated exhibitions: Passages and Pathways, 2010; Revealing Intimacies, 2017; Ground Level, 2015; Nature’s Microcosms at the Kenan House Gallery curated by Gerald Mead, 2018; Nature Unveiled at MusicalFare Theatre, Damien College, 2020; and Floral Focus at The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2022. Cindi works in acrylics, graphite and color pencils exploring details of organic forms.

“Nothing is less real than realism. Details are confusing. It is only by
selection, by elimination, by emphasis, that we get at the real
meaning of things.”

Georgia O’Keefe.

The works that I create express a visual language that encourages one to search for a richer meaning found within ourselves. Everyday life is filled with an abundance of “distractions”. The precious connections between ourselves and nature are often pushed aside and forgotten. Interpretations of nature range from symbolism and metaphors, creating a variety of personal responses.

Flowers, leaves, grasses, and other natural forms have a presence. By observing closely and holding these forms in our hands, the enormous beauty of the natural world can be felt and experienced. Observational studies that I create reveal unnoticed details - lines, shapes, colors, textures, rhythm, and movement promote the energy of the living organism and the forms of the organic structures. These works encourage viewers to look closer and become an active participant with the natural elements that surround us.

Respectfully experience all that is encountered and take joy in all that is so fragile.