"I love color"
It wasn't until I was a senior in high school that I discovered painting. I tried different techniques in acrylic for about 2 years and gave it up when I moved to Dallas, Texas. I did not pick up a brush again until 8 years later when I was inspired by a t-shirt design that caught my attention in Galveston, TX. Once I picked that brush back up, I couldn't stop. I love color. In 2001 I discovered who I am on the canvas, vibrant in color and whimsical in style. I try to re-create the visions of my minds eye with my own mix of colors.
In the fall of 2002 I entered my first art show. 1026 Tranquilla was sponsored by Dallas Arts Revue (DARts), an organization founded in Dallas by JR Compton. It was my first experience showing my paintings in public. It was an invaluable experience and I sold several paintings due to the exposure from the show.
Fast forward to 2004. I took a huge leap and moved to Laguna Beach, California. Laguna Beach is so amazing! It was my home for several years. In 2008 I met the love of my life and moved North to Hawaiian Gardens, CA. We got married in 2011 and just when we started to settle in and get comfortable his employer offered him a job working at corporate headquarters in Danbury, CT. We packed up our things and moved East. We had quite a few adventures, including lots of snow and wildlife. I also took the challenge of creating some type of art each day for 365 days starting September 1, 2013. It allowed me to learn new styles and work with many new mediums. One of those mediums was alcohol ink and I LOVE IT! The East Coast was fabulous, but we moved back to Orange County in the Fall of 2015. It is nice to be home amidst the sun and sand, but we really miss our East Coast friends. Currently I teach primarily at Piecemakers Country Store in Costa Mesa. I am available for private events as well.
Want your own dannaj original? You can find my hangable and wearable art on Etsy and at local festivals. So if you like what you see, please visit my shop on Etsy ... dannaj.etsy.com or if you are interested in learning how to paint with Alcohol Ink yourself check out my Classes and Events page.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS, FESTIVALS & GALLERIES
- Piecemakers Alcohol Ink Instructor, January 2016 - 2023 | Costa Mesa, CA
- The Hens Nest Gallery, 2020 | Washington Depot, CT
- Brookfield Craft Center’s 43rd Annual Holiday Sale 2019 | Brookfield, CT
- Laguna Niguel Fall Boutique & Crafts Faire, October 2019 | Laguna Niguel, CA
- OC Fair 2019, featured demonstrator | Costa Mesa, CA
- Brookfield Craft Center’s 43rd Annual Holiday Sale 2018 | Brookfield, CT
- Laguna Niguel Fall Boutique & Crafts Faire, October 2018 | Laguna Niguel, CA
- OC Fair 2018, featured demonstrator | Costa Mesa, CA
- OC Fair 2017, featured demonstrator, jury selected "HUM" | Costa Mesa, CA
- Brookfield Town Hall Solo Show, September | October 2015
- Newtown Arts Festival, September 2015 | Newtown, CT
- Enchanted Realms, “Colorvision”, July - August 2015 | New Milford, CT
- Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio, “Summer Fun”, July - August 2015 | New Milford, CT
- Tarrywile Spring Artisan Fair, March 2015 | Danbury, CT
- Brookfield Craft Center, "A Tradition of Excellence: Works by the Brookfield Craft Center Faculty", August 2015 | Brookfield, CT
- Newtown Arts Festival, September 2014 | Newtown, CT
- Syrup Festival, November 2014 | Henderson, TX
- Bridgewater County Fair August 2014 | Bridgewater, CT
- The Old Crow, February May 2003 | Dallas TX
- Wahoo's, Solo Show, 2003 | Dallas TX
- 1026 Tranquilla, Fall 2002 | Dallas TX
Awards
- Laguna Beach Banner Competition winner, 2007. Three Fish, 16' x 4', double-sided. The banner was displayed for 10 consecutive years following the initial recognition. It was a very huge honor.