O’Connor, the creative force behind Danny O Studio, is known for his large-scale, cartoon-inspired canvases that pay tribute to the golden era of American leisure—a playful mix of nostalgia, pop culture and sun-soaked escapism. Four of his works are already displayed in Hotel Continental’s common areas.
On Tuesday, December 2, Hotel Continental and artist Danny O’Connor will present Paws and Palettes, an immersive and interactive celebration where creativity goes off-leash. Guests are encouraged to bring photos of their pets for O’Connor to re-paw-duce and sketch on special Hotel Continental stationery. This free public event takes place on the hotel’s pool deck with two sessions: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Attendees are invited to unwind poolside or at the vintage-inspired Mixer, enjoying paw-fectly chilled beverages and bites from Divebar, a retro cocktail den featuring a self-pour beverage wall.
Additionally, on Wednesday, December 3, from 1-5 p.m., Hotel Continental and Danny O’Connor will present An Afternoon of Art with live poolside painting by O’Connor. The artist’s painting “The Summer of 1948” is featured in the hotel’s lobby, and during the event O’Connor will expand on that work by selecting small vignettes that appear within it and reinterpreting them on a larger canvas by the pool. The painting channels midcentury American vacations with era-specific details, from classic automobiles to icons like Marilyn Monroe, Chuck Berry and Steve McQueen. The piece’s signature glow comes from an underpainting technique, where yellow lines peek through, infusing the work with the warmth of endless summer days.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch as these whimsical characters, including favorites like longboarder “Commander Good Times” and surfer “JoJo Toscano,” come to life. Portraits created during the event will be available for purchase until the end of the day on Thursday, December 4. Guests are also invited to relax by the pool, enjoy chilled beverages and bites from Divebar, and watch as Danny O’Connor transforms the sunlit atmosphere of Hotel Continental into a living canvas celebrating art, nostalgia and the spirit of endless summer.
Located in Miami Beach’s lively Mid Beach district, Hotel Continental is a boutique lifestyle destination that blends midcentury Miami charm with modern comforts, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of paws, palettes and pure inspiration.
Instagrams: @hotelcontinentalmiamibeach and @dannyostudio1963
Address: Hotel Continental, 4000 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140