Payment Plans Now Available!

I now offer payment plans using Partial.ly in hopes to streamline this process for clients. These payment plans are designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy and collect art. It enables clients who may not usually buy art to start a collection with payments spread over a reasonable time period, or established collectors to purchase higher priced works.

The great thing about using Partial.ly is that I can allow customers to change the duration and frequency of the payment plan terms. 

More information can be found here.

Payment Plan option is available for artwork priced $80 and up and for pieces being sold directly through my website.

I look forward to working with current clients as well as new clients utilizing this option so that you can purchase original artwork for your home or office space.

Anything Goes Juried Show 2019

Exciting News Announcement!!

My piece, "Genesis," was chosen to be a part of an upcoming show Litmus Gallery & Studios!!!

"Genesis" is a 12x24 expressive and intuitive abstract piece that I completed recently along with its “kindred spirit” – “Evolution” which is a 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract.

I'm honored to be a part of this great opportunity and if you're in the area, please be sure to stop by during the exhibition!

Exhibit Calendar:

Friday, October 4: Exhibition opens / Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, November 1: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, December 6: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm / Exhibit closes 9 pm

October 4 – December 6: Exhibition opens Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment.

Anything Goes 2019 Juried Show Submission!

I saw that Litmus Gallery was having their Anything Goes Juried Show for 2019 and of course wanted to enter.

I appreciate that they want to help artists (especially emerging artists) gain exposure and there is a wide variety of submissions which is really cool to see. It’s also really great to connect with other artists when going to the exhibit and reception evenings. I was able to connect with a few artists last year and it was an incredible night!

Wish me luck!

The three pieces that I submitted are below:

Genesis – 12x24 expressive and intuitive abstract. I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Evolution". This piece is the smaller of the two and was named "Genesis" as this piece was the beginning for the color palette. The carmine/red color represents the birth of this painting and the inspiration and idea with the color palette that I chose.

Evolution – 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract. I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Genesis". This piece is the larger of the two and was named "Evolution" because I took the color palette chosen for both pieces and changed my brush strokes and markings and evolved the colors into a very moving and expressive and intuitive piece. As you look closer you will still see hints of the carmine/red color that was also used in "Genesis" because it represented the birth/the beginning. I included more green into this painting to represent the growth of these paintings and their color story.

Unexpected Happiness – 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract.  This painting is a product of instant inspiration. I wanted to mimic the colors as close as possible from the bouquet of flowers that I received from my sister and friends when they surprised me at the group showing/juried show at Litmus Gallery in Raleigh (Anything Goes 2018)! I was completely taken aback and was so happy that they came out to support me. God has truly blessed me with some amazing and thoughtful people in my life. I hope this painting brings a smile to your face like it does mine because I associate those feelings of happiness and love when I see it. The colors are bright and wonderful and certainly brighten my day!

Newest Paintings!

"Genesis" 12x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Evolution". This piece is the smaller of the two and was named "Genesis" as this piece was the beginning for the color palette. The carmine/red color represents the birth of this painting and the inspiration and idea with the color palette that I chose.

"Evolution" 24x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Genesis". This piece is the larger of the two and was named "Evolution" because I took the color palette chosen for both pieces and changed my brush strokes and markings and evolved the colors into a very moving and expressive and intuitive piece. As you look closer you will still see hints of the carmine/red color that was also used in "Genesis" because it represented the birth/the beginning. I included more green into this painting to represent the growth of these paintings and their color story.

“The Light Within” 24x24” expressionist and intuitive abstract

This painting gave me such joy to create. As always, my favorite part of my paintings are how I can get lost in them when creating as well as when viewing the finished creation. For me, I like to look at all of the different markings and squiggles from each layer. I find it calming.

Feeling Inspired and Energetic!

I’ll be working on a few abstracts before finishing the “In the Garden” series. I felt incredibly inspired so I couldn’t wait until I finish that series before starting on my intuitive abstract paintings again. It feels absolutely wonderful to be creating abstracts again.

I recently saw that a local artist guild had a call for art and I knew I HAD to get to work and start creating. I was instantly inspired and started painting. Since I just learned about the call, I was hesitant wondering if I could do it even if I was inspired. I shoved those silly doubts to the back of my mind and put my mind to it.

My mom always said that’s one of my most admirable qualities...once I put my mind to something, there’s no stopping me and that was said to me at an early age.

My art may not get accepted for the call submission. That’s always the risk you take when submitting. Will it stop me from trying? Nope. Will it stop me from creating ever again? Not. A. Chance.

WIP #1

WIP #2

WIP #3

Jerry's Artarama "My Story" Contest

I recently entered into the Jerry's Artarama Artist Merit and Achievement Awards contest. This contest is in honor of their 51st Anniversary as well as their founder, Jerry Goldstein, who always loved to hear a good personal story.

This is from their website:

"With the help of the Jerry Goldstein Foundation, Jerry's Artarama, and its sponsors, we are giving away a minimum of $51,000* to artists with great personal stories, incredible talent and/or unique creativity and achievements to share! Jerry always liked a good personal story and we hope that you share one with us. No matter if you have achieved immense success, are still struggling or are a student wanting to go to art school your story is important to us!"

Here is my story submission:

"To be honest, I was slightly hesitant to share my story but I feel it’s crucial for me to share what brought me to where I am today with my art journey in hopes to inspire others. I am a self-taught artist who loves experimenting with color, texture, and movement when it comes to painting.

I, like most artists, had a love for creativity and art at an early age. I grew up drawing and coloring and was mainly inspired by comic books and cartoons. I never took up painting but always wanted to especially when watching Bob Ross. I remember my mom purchasing me a Bob Ross painting kit, but unfortunately I never used it.

Through the years I kept up with drawing but eventually that phased out once other things took precedence.

Fast forward to 2013, the year that was a defining yet difficult year for me. It was the year that my mom passed away. It was sudden. It happened while I was with her. It was heartbreaking. I hadn’t hit such a dark period in my life prior to that moment. I kept on with life because that’s who I was and still am. I persevered. I needed to keep on…not just for myself but for my kids and family.

From 2013 to 2015, I had to do some soul searching. What was my purpose or meaning in this world or this life that can be gone in an instant? That’s when I prayed and asked God for guidance on what I should do. Slowly but surely I started to listen…paint. Take that pain and paint. Just paint. At that time it wasn’t about creating a masterpiece, but just to paint until I felt complete or happy with what was on the canvas. Once I started to paint and started to open myself up to the idea that I could be an artist, the ideas flowed.

Painting became my therapy as I finally started to grieve my mother’s death and painting will always be therapeutic for me. I want my emotions to become a teacher, not a master. With each brush stroke, marking, and layers I am able to clear my head, heart, and soul and what bogs it down. Once I get my ideas or emotions on canvas, it is a sense of release and calm.

Whenever I question myself as an artist, I remind myself that my mother would certainly be pushing me and encouraging me to keep doing what I am doing. The fact that I have already inspired and reached others through my artwork and my art journey is one of the biggest motivations for me to keep creating. Having loving and supportive friends and family is also what keeps me continually motivated.

I truly do believe that I was created by my Creator to create.

I would love to be able to win this award to purchase art materials for my canvas work as well as funding future projects that will require more expensive materials and supplies. My goal is to continue creating art for sale as well as helping with community projects and organizations through my art and/or art sales."

Thank you to Jerry's Artarama for holding a contest like this. They have so many wonderful contests and opportunities for artists.

"Works from the Heart" Donated Art Piece UPDATE

My piece, “You Are Loved” packaged and ready for the “Works from the Heart” Kids First, Inc. fundraiser in Elizabeth City, NC. They’ll be holding an artwork gala fundraiser May 3rd!

I felt this painting was most appropriate with its title and color story. These colors are bright and colorful and I hope to inspire feelings of happiness and peace when one sees this painting. May it find a new loving home and may they find peace and happiness when viewing this painting.

I was told by an artist friend about this child abuse center and their need for donated artwork to help raise funds. The center helps provide on-site medical and forensic evaluation as well as support for the child and family after the fact and so much more that they do.

If you’d like to know more about this wonderful organization and/or the fundraiser, please visit their website by clicking: Kids First Inc!

"Awake" SOLD!

“Awake” is officially spoken for at this time! This artwork is being sold via my Payment Plan option.

Did you know I offer Payment Plans on my art?

My whole motive in that is to offer payment plans that are designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy and collect art. It enables clients who may not usually buy art to start a collection with payments spread over a reasonable time period, or established collectors to purchase higher priced works.

Royal & Langnickel's March "Featured Artist of the Month"

Recently I had shared on social media that I had a HUGE announcement and now it is official...

I'm the "Featured Artist" for the month of March with Royal and Langnickel. The earliest month they had available was March and I thought "How serendipitous!" since March is my birth month! What an amazing opportunity and I feel incredibly honored and thankful.

The article went live today!

You can check out my article on Royal & Langnickel's website here.

They also featured me on their social media accounts, please feel free to check those postings out as well.

Royal & Langnickel's Facebook post:

Royal & Langnickel's Instagram post:

Please remember to like, comment, and share because every bit helps an artist!

NOTE: The article will be accessible (:::hint hint::: shareable) even after March.

"Works from the Heart" Donated Art Piece

I’m happy to say that this piece, “You Are Loved” will be donated towards a great organization called Kids First, Inc. in Elizabeth City, NC. They’ll be holding an artwork gala fundraiser on May 3, 2019!

I felt this painting was most appropriate with its title and color story. These colors are bright and colorful and I hope to inspire feelings of happiness and peace when one sees this painting. May it find a new loving home and may they find peace and happiness when viewing this painting.

I was recently told by an artist friend about this child abuse center and their need for donated artwork to help raise funds. The center helps provide on-site medical and forensic evaluation as well as support for the child and family after the fact. There’s so much more that they do so please feel free to look them up or read the brochure included in this post.

Anything Goes 2018 Ending Reception

Well the month for the exhibit surely came and went very quickly. Unfortunately I didn't place in the exhibit and I didn't sell my "Awake" piece but that's okay. Sure it's a little discouraging. I would by lying if I told you I didn't feel a twinge of disappointment from not placing and/or not selling my artwork. We all will feel disappointment or feel discouraged at some point especially when it's a career that you put your heart and soul into, but it's best we don't let that deter us from meeting our goals and dreams.

To all of the dreamers and doers - Keep on dreaming and doing! You WILL get there in due time.

Not every artist (or whatever your field is) made it overnight. Seriously. I believe every artist I've EVER come across or talked to have said that they didn't make it overnight. For some, it took a few years and some it took over a decade before they "made it" to a more satisfactory state of their career.

Some days I feel like What's the point? and other days I feel confident and thinking to myself I got this!

I look forward to submitting to more exhibits and call for artists and more importantly to just keep creating more art.

Opening Night at Litmus Gallery!

Last night was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better opening night. I got to network with some great resident artists at Litmus Gallery as well as local artists.

Another major thing that happened was my sister and friends came to support me. It was a complete shock for me but of course I was pleasantly surprised and on the verge of tears at their sweet gesture. They brought flowers (inspiration for an upcoming piece or two?) and after awhile we all went out to eat and celebrated my opening night. How marvelous, right?

I am absolutely blessed to have such love and support from friends and family.

P.S. The hubs didn't mind all of the gal talk and banter. He is a relatively quiet guy but he's my #1 cheerleader and I love him for it!

Me pictured with my 8x8 abstract piece entitled, "Awake," for opening night at the Litmus Gallery for the "Anything Goes 2018 Exhibit".

Me pictured with my sister and our mutual friends who surprised me with flowers and their support by showing up for opening night.

Wake Med North Exhibit

I dropped off some art pieces at Wake Med North today and what a beautiful display they have available for local artists. This is a great area because it is high traffic and the artwork IS the main focal point so you definitely can't bypass the area and overlook the artwork that is displayed.

Even though I may not make any sales from this, at least it is a great opportunity for exposure and that is very important for an artist. Self promotion and exposure are two major things that artists need to keep in mind especially when starting out.

I was lucky enough that the "Artist of the Month" for November was available via the local artist guild that I'm a part of (Wake Forest Guild of Artists). A huge thank you to them for coordinating things like this for the artists.

Anything Goes Juried Show 2018

Exciting News Announcement!!

My piece, "Awake," was chosen to be a part of an upcoming show Litmus Gallery & Studios!!!

"Awake" is an 8x8 abstract piece that I completed awhile back.

I'm so honored to be a part of this great opportunity and if you're in the area, please be sure to stop by during the exhibition!

Exhibit Calendar:

Friday, November 2: Exhibition opens / Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, December 7: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm / Exhibit closes 9 pm

November 2 – December 7: Exhibition opens Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment.

When do I consider my artwork to be "complete"?

I recently came across a posting from Zen Art Supplies on Instagram. They asked their followers/viewers "How do you know when a work is finished?".

Ironically I JUST  had this exact discussion with my husband the night prior to seeing their post.

So, when do I personally consider my artwork to be complete? Is it every really complete? 

Well, I suppose I could just say, "It's just a feeling." Even though that's true...to an extent...there's more to my process. I do love texture, movement, and a color with my paintings but what is something that can add an extra element to my paintings?

A few months back I started to really think about ways to help me make my pieces more dynamic...to dig a little deeper into my mind and my soul on what else can inspire me to achieve this. 

Once I got lost in thought, I thought to myself What if someone was colorblind and looked at my painting? What would they see? Would they be able to enjoy my painting just as much as a person who sees color?  Will they be just as moved by my painting by seeing the variations of lights and darks as opposed to a person who sees the colored version? 

That's when I decided to use the B&W feature on my phone's camera. You may be thinking Dana, that's not really a big deal...there are plenty of artists who use B&W on their cameras to view values. Yes, it really helps to see the color values.  For me, it was so much more than that. It was more than seeing if there are too many areas of lightness or darkness? It helped me see my paintings in a new light, so to speak. This became another way to help me connect with viewers.

I used this for the recent painting I was working on for an upcoming juried show. It's one thing to see your painting with the colors you used, it's another to see it in a different way using B&W. Prior to viewing it in B&W, it seemed to be missing something...seemed like there wasn't enough contrast in my painting. After seeing it in B&W, I realized my suspicions were true (in my opinion) and I added a few different "areas of interest" by using more color and brush strokes until it looked and felt complete not only in color but also in B&W. 

I wanted to include Before/After photos of the painting so hopefully help you see what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, a photo never quite does a painting justice since they are better when experienced up close and personal.

Anything Goes 2018 Juried Show Submission!

I found out some INCREDIBLE news today!

When I saw the opportunity to submit for this show, I actually created the 20x20 piece entitled, "You Are Loved". I was instantly inspired to create that abstract piece and took on a color story that I had in an art journal of mine.

When I submitted, I saw that you could actually submit up to three pieces so that's when I decided to also include "Awake" and "Arise" into my submission.

Wish me luck!

The three pieces that I submitted are below:

Arise – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by Southwestern color stories.

Awake – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by a moment in time when I felt most awake in my art journey. The white represents being awake and that feeling being more dominant hence taking over the dark.

You Are Loved – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by a moment in time when I felt most awake in my art journey. The white represents being awake and that feeling being more dominant hence taking over the dark.

Find Time for Creating

Over the last several months, I've found it hard to find time for creating or even the want to create sometimes. Do I have any excuse? Sure, I have...well, had, plenty of them! They were even legit excuses and reasons; however, there comes a time where you have to stop making excuses and start remembering WHY you create and, more importantly, why you SHOULD keep creating. Once I start thinking about my WHY and SHOULD, I remember how much those reasons outweigh and are much more important than my excuses as to why I wasn't or stopped creating. 

It's so easy to get caught up in responsibilities and obligations that you soon find yourself not creating. Does this mean you have to create something profound? No, not necessarily. I've literally had to talk myself into creating even if it's just a doodle, and at other times I can't wait to create and just go wherever my creative energy flows (isn't it awesome when it goes like that?). Sometimes you have to push past the mental, emotional, and/or physical exhaustion and keep your creativity going. I always feel much better for it. If I were to be highly critical of myself, I would probably say something like, "Ew, that's the worst doodle I've ever done!" but again it's not about creating a masterpiece. Now, I'm sure you've heard it before...it keeps the creative juices flowing and it exercises your creative mind. There is actually some truth to it believe it or not! I find the more that I create, whether a doodle or my next painting, the easier it is (usually) to be creative and I don't get artist's block as often. 

Now, in a magical land of fairies and unicorns (or cupcakes and rainbows...whatever tickles your fancy) you could create anything and everything at the drop of a hat! In reality, it doesn't quite work out that way. For me, between kids and daily life and getting distracted by all of the things I should get done for the house and others ::: BOOM ::: it's 10 p.m. and I'm wondering where all of that time went. With it being summer now, I definitely will have to be even more disciplined in divvying up my time for everything and still creating art. I've got so many things planned for some upcoming pieces. I can't wait to share what I am and will be working on! I typically write down or sketch my ideas in a small journal so I don't forget that moment of inspiration or that idea for a painting. I highly suggest doing that if you aren't doing so already. 

Brush hoarder??

Okay followers, stalkers, and fellow artists...what is your obsession or which art supply do you feel you can't get enough of? Pens? Pencils? Markers? Paints? Brushes? I would have to admit mine are obviously paints and brushes. I just love trying new colors or brands when it comes to paints.

When it comes to brushes though, I could spend a long while in that department at the local art store, Jerry's Artarama. I like to feel the bristles of just about every brush. Weird? Probably, but at least the awesome employees at Jerry's don't judge me. haha I would ask them if it's weird to do what I do, but I have a feeling they completely understand...almost like a "We're all mad here." kind of feeling.

Now, hopefully Jerry's won't be too upset, but I do hit up Michaels occasionally (because of closer proximity) and sometimes order via Blick Art Materials as well. While on the topic of brush obsession...what does an artist, who also likes to partake in photography from time to time, do during some downtime (aka waiting for paint to dry)? Take pictures of well-used and well-loved paintbrushes of course!

If you have any questions about the brushes, please feel free to ask. What are YOUR fave brushes? Leave a comment below!

Michaels Small Art Haul

I hit up Michaels recently and saw the Artist's Loft watercolor markers and knew that I had to add them to my art supply collection. I grabbed a pack of 48 at Michaels. Originally they are $49.99 USD, but I had a 40% off coupon with me so that worked out quite nicely in the end. Also, they had Strathmore art paper pads on sale (i.e. mixed media, watercolor, sketching, drawing, etc.). I snagged 2 of the 6x8 mixed media pads to try out the watercolor markers as well as wanting to use some of the sheets for future paper pieces for sale.

All in all I would say it was a good trip; although, I did originally go there for some frames and ironically walked out without any frames.