Cornelia O’Donovan is a contemporary artist born in 1981, known for her distinctive work inspired by folklore, poetry, and the rich storytelling traditions of the British Isles, particularly Celtic myths and legends. She trained at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, graduating in 2006, and has since built a reputation for her dreamlike, evocative creations. Based in London, her art spans painting, drawing, and mixed media, often characterised by a flat, tapestry-like aesthetic that strips away perspective and realism to focus on pattern, colour, and narrative.
Her work draws heavily on tales like Prince Llewellyn’s tragic greyhound Gellert, as well as the poetic influences of figures like Ellen O’Leary and W.B. Yeats. O’Donovan’s process is intuitive and playful—she layers colours, cuts shapes, and arranges them into compositions that feel both ancient and personal, reminiscent of medieval rustic art or worn heirlooms. She describes her creative process as a kind of storytelling, where the canvas becomes a stage, and her marks and hues act as characters and memories.
Her paintings are held in private collections worldwide.
O’Donovan’s art is a bridge between the past and present, blending the homespun charm of old tales with a modern, female voice. Her immersive approach to creation, rooted in childhood memories of crafting imaginary worlds, continues to drive her unique and absorbing style.
