A Native of Southern California, Sally O'Neill has been interested in the arts since childhood. A music major in college, Sally taught piano as well as performed for many years. During the early 1980's she tried her hand at painting for a short time, mostly concentrating on watercolors. Music was Sally's major artistic expression throughout much of her life. In 1998 she decided to give painting another try, this time working primarily with oils. This proved to be a life changing decision.

“As soon as I started working in oils I couldn't get enough. As an admirer of the impressionists I loved the effects of light and color the medium allowed. My attempt is to create a place more beautiful than perhaps it may actually be. I want my paintings to bring the viewer into a world they would love to be in. A world of beauty and sun drenched days” Although largely self-taught, Sally has studied privately with a number of instructors, including her constant mentor, watercolorist Don O'Neill. Locally she has studied alla prima painting with Leta Belleque-Bunnell . Sally's work has been seen in many local art shows and she is the recipient of numerous awards. Her work is in a number of private as well as corporate collections.

Sally is a full time artist and devotes the majority of her time to painting. She has lived in Oregon since 1991 and maintains a studio at her home in Sandy, which she shares with husband Tim and their two dogs.