Kathy O’Neill grew up in Maine, where she loved walking down winding paths to her favorite beaches, enjoying the scents of beach roses and salt grass lining the way. The feel of warm sand under foot and the calls of soaring gulls overhead instilled a love of nature.
Kathy’s green bicycle took her not only to the beach, but to the library and her grandparents’ farm. She spent summer afternoons on their shady porch, dreaming over books like Johnny Tremain, Charlotte’s Web, and Misty of Chincoteague. Kathy has always been horse-crazy, learning to ride at a young age. She had other pets, too, including a chubby beagle who liked to roam, a fluffy Maine coon cat, and a tame blue jay.
With a degree in education and concentrations in psychology and art, Kathy at first worked in the art department of an educational publisher, but soon discovered helping children learn was what she loved. Kathy has over 30 years of teaching experience from kindergarten to high school.
After college, Kathy and her husband homesteaded on a small farm tucked into the Maine woods. They raised their children amidst ducks and goats, cats and puppies, and a stubborn pony named Champ. She and her family later exchanged country life for St Louis where her husband attended seminary.
At one Christian school Kathy taught studio
art to K-12th grades. She emphasized a Christian world view in art appreciation and connected art with history and science. She has taught Christian history in high school and women’s groups. Kathy now teaches elementary art and loves helping her young artists discover the wonder of God’s creation.
Kathy writes devotions, nature features, and Bible studies for many publications, and has a middle grade devotional book coming out in 2026. Kathy’s popular blog, called Kathythepicturelady, and her newsletter inspire viewers to enjoy and understand great art from a Christian perspective. Her speaking ministry includes chapel talks, school visits, and presentations to homeschooling and church groups.
Kathy is a member of several writers’ groups and is critique group coordinator and Planning Team member of Write 2 Ignite, a group that seeks to encourage and help Christians who write for children.
Kathy and her husband have lived all over the US and traveled in Europe, visiting places and museums that have enriched her knowledge of art and history.
She now lives in Colorado, where she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her family, which includes six fabulous grandchildren!
