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Dennis O’Malley

Dennis O’Malley grew up on Chicago’s North Side with the lakefront high-rises as a backdrop to his childhood. From a young age, Dennis has been producing pen and ink drawings of the cityscape. Now, Dennis specializes in intaglio printmaking, using chine-collé and hand-coloring to add to his etched and aquatinted imagery.

Cloud Gate at Millennium Park, 8 x 10 inches, Aquatint etching chine-collé on tan paper with hand coloring, $180

 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: a Q & A with Dennis O’Malley

How long have you been at CPC?

I came to the CPC in a very nice way. In 1995, my daughter said that people thought my pen and ink drawings were etchings, so her birthday present to me was a gift certificate to take a series of etching classes with Deborah. The Collaborative was located then at Paulina and Haddon Streets.

What’s your favorite type of printmaking?

I fell in love with Intaglio printmaking and the manual part of the process. Perhaps this helps make up for the lack of formal art school training. The other printmakers were happy to teach me and their enthusiasm allowed me to progress and improve and learn.

Why do you make art?

I make art because I like doing it. I feel focused and relaxed while etching.  I believe that I am also preserving images of Chicago and its surroundings, capturing a slice of time in the city I love. 

What book are you currently reading?

I am reading “The Constellation of Vital Phenomena” by Anthony Marra.

Who are three artists (dead or alive) that inspire you?

My favorite artists are Toulouse Lautrec, Edward Hopper, and John Himmelfarb.

What is your favorite non-art distraction?

I like to play golf.

What’s your favorite thing about CPC?

My favorite thing about CPC is the people, their attitude, their acceptance and willingness to help. A real collaborative.

 Chicago and Lincoln Park, 5 x 4 inches, Aquatint Etching with hand coloring, $140

 

Holy Cow it’s Harry Caray’s, 9 x 10 inches, Aquatint etching with chine-collé and hand coloring, $180

 

To purchase any of the work you see above, please send an email to info@chicagoprintmakers.com. You can check out Dennis’ work in person during our open gallery hours every Friday and Saturday from 12-5:00pm. You can also visit his website. Read more Member Spotlight interviews here.