Jo O'Mara
Born and raised in NJ, I studied at The New York School of Visual Arts and achieved a BFA in Media Design. I began a long freelance career shortly after and was lucky to create work for several excellent companies on an ongoing basis. In 2010, I made the decision to pursue an interest in Art Education and have spent the last 6 years teaching young children while finding new ways to instill the same art basics I use everyday. This time has allowed me to create and implement successful art programs that incorporate basic elements of art, drawing skills and art history. These techniques provide a fun comprehensive foundation of art education for pre-K and elementary aged children.
Teaching a wide range of ages has also allowed me to learn how to customize my lessons so that each age group will have a fun, successful art experience. Everything is new, and they take such pride in their work. These learning experiences also inspire me as an artist. The children spark my creativity with their fresh and innocent take on all things around them. I have also been teaching both children and adults in local art studios.
The Elephants of Art is one of my proudest accomplishments. Well, professionally speaking that is. My true pride rests with my 3 beautiful kids, Macklin, Daron and E. Roarke; and the journeys they have chosen.
Works

The Elephants of Art - An Educational Art Story
Meet Little Toulouse, a tiny but talented mouse named after French artist Toulouse-Lautrec (Too-loose LeTrek.) When his art teacher encourages him to get to know the Elements of Art, the confused mouse searches for the Elephants of Art instead. Little Toulouse travels through bold colorful pages to meet Linus, the elephant of line, Starla, the elephant of shape and Rainbow, the elephant of color. They teach Toulouse about each of these elements, but more importantly, they show him what great artwork he can make when he uses them together.
A fun new series of educational art stories waiting to be published. Written and illustrated by artist/teacher Jo O'Mara, these books are a fun, engaging way to introduce young kids to the elements of art and teach how they're used to help them draw.