Dara Daniel: Artist
67DARA DANIEL
Dara Daniel grew up in my hometown of Coloma, Michigan. As a child her favorite pastime was drawing, but while in high school she discovered a love for clay and working with her hands. Over the years Dara Daniel has educated herself in many areas of art, and was deservedly awarded three separate scholarships. She now holds degrees in a variety of mediums, which include Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Photography, Ceramics, and Figure Drawing.
The professional background of Dara Daniel is both diverse and impressive. She spent time as an Artist in Residence at Humboldt State University in California, where she was later employed as a drawing instructor. Dara Daniel has also served as an instructor in the mediums of sculpture and drawing at the College of the Redwoods.
In addition to her work in the educational environment, Dara Daniel has coordinated and served as juror in a number of art shows. Her own artwork has been acclaimed by the individual awards she's garnered through the National Redwoods Art Association, invitations to display her work at a variety of group exhibitions, and the four solo exhibitions of her work at these galleries in California: Persimmons Art Gallery, Mateel Art Gallery, College of the Siskiyous, and the Creative Arts Gallery (1990-2009).
Today, the artistic focus of Dara Daniel can be found in her talent for, and love of, painting. Her introduction to Pastels gave her a medium to work with that once again linked her with her first love—the love of drawing. Dara Daniel was immediately attracted to this medium because the use of pastels supplies the artist with so many different possibilities; touch, texture, and contrast. The diversity of pastel opened new doors, and today Dara Daniel finds herself not only growing as an artist, but exploring new territory as well.
Landscape holds enormous possibilities for artists. They find themselves connected to nature, in tune with the seasons and their ever changing beauty, but most of all given the opportunity to choose the time and place. Every piece of art is envisioned; every piece is an inspiration.
The visions of Dara Daniel are influenced by color, mood and feeling; and by her desire to capture a specific moment—life within the environment, the lone image of a bird, the shadow of a tree. Every brush stroke becomes intuitive, and each addition of color influences the next. The ultimate goal is to draw the viewer into the painting, to create a sense of unity that leaves the viewer feeling complete, to make them feel as if they've been there. Beauty is the purpose of art, and as you can see for yourself through the photos of the paintings of Dara Daniel, she has fulfilled art's purpose: They are filled with beauty.
There are many forms of art. An artist can be many things, and express themselves in many ways. Musicians, poets, photographers, sculptors, writers, carpenters, stonecutters, and painters—all of these mediums are forms of artistry and forms of self-expression. Everyone has some form of art dwelling inside of them, whether it's the love of taking photographs or the ability to pitch a baseball. The artistry of Dara Daniel shines through her use of pastel—she has found her niche, and in her own words;
"Working with Pastel is exhilarating, fun, absorbing, and at times, meditative and gentle. Some paintings come together quickly and some are struggles that require coming back to, and after a break, to see what it needs. Each painting experience is unique yet, my goals for all my paintings are to capture a degree of Nature's passionate, mutable spirit, joy and beauty. My subject matter is the amazing and diverse landscape that surrounds me from my home in Northern California and beyond. I paint Plein Air and in my studio."
All other information about Dara and her work is immediately available at:
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Nice work, Change subject,
Coloma Mich I was a Grand Rapids boy for some 10 years,
Did you know a Square dance caller who lived in Coloma
named Walt Ismael?? era of 1970's
Thank you James for introducing me to Dara and giving an exquisite exhibit of her work. It is awesome.
Forever His,
Hi James
Great hub and Dara is a very talented artist. Her paintings have a restful tranquility.
Amber:)
James,
You are fortunate to have such a talented person as a friend. I envy you in your friendship. I also love Dara's pastels. Thank's for showing them to us.
I love the paintings. Thanks, James!
The stepping stones is my favorite. I like her art!
JAMES! Wow! What beautiful work your friend does......her work would be perfect for the "art tour" they do where I live once a year.....Anyway, a lovely hub and a wonderful artist! Best, G
Thank you for sharing these beautiful paintings!
King James:
If there's one thing you do better than anyone I've ever known - it's making people feel great about themselves.
Never have I met someone as selfless, unconditionally giving and happier giving credit than getting it.
I think this article is a perfect representation of exactly that - someone who not only unfailingly finds the best in others, but makes it a point to let everyone else know it ... just in case they may no be looking as closely as they should
What an amazing man you are to many of us - and certainly to me. If all Christians actualized the intended virtues of Christ as effortlessly as you, the world would be an even more amazing place indeed.
Give my love to the lovely Ms. Nancy and please — keep doing what you're doing.
Sharon— Hello, my friend! Oh yes, Dara paints beautifully. Feel free to catch up on my Hubs anytime. We are always open. Meanwhile, thank you for being my first visitor! :D
James - Those are beautiful paintings by Dara. I believe they reflect an artist with a beautiful soul as well.
james, Great Hub and introduction to Dara.. Thanks for giving us insight into her life and her art. The paintings are awesome.
CS
Beautiful paintings. Wonderful mixture of colors...I like The ravens, Reflexions, The ranch, and the Vineyard. She is a great painter. Thanks for sharing with us.
Hey James...so good of you to do a hub about a local celebrity of yours! She is really good. One can see the influence of other classic artists and yet she does have a style all her own! Good job to both you and her!
I really enjoyed this Hub about a really good artist. I particularly liked her work "Stepping Stones" it just has a wonderful quality about it that made feel, as you said in the Hub, as if I had been there and seen that.
Thanks for a super Hub.
Love and peace
Tony
greatAmerican— Thank you. I am not familiar with Mr. Ismael but in the morning I will ask my mom, who still lives in Coloma. I am sure she has heard of him, being that it is a very small town. Thanks for the visit.
RevLady— Well, you are welcome. I am sure she will be grateful to read your gracious compliments. Thank you! :D
Amber Allen— Hi Amber! Thank you for expressing your kind words. Dara is a sweet woman and a fine artist. I am glad you approve.
James
Tom Whitworth— You're welcome. Thank you, Tom, for visiting my Hub about my friend, Dara. I am indeed blessed among men for my abiding friendships. I am well pleased that you expressed your appreciation for her art.
James
msorensson— You are truly welcome, my dear. Thank you for coming!
advisor4qb— I'm glad you do! Thanks for reviewing her gallery and expressing your appreciation.
GPAGE! We have an artist in the house! I know Dara will be thrilled to read your high praise indeed. I will let her know about the art tour in your city. Thank you for coming!
J
Lee B— You are most welcome. Thank you for coming! :D
ArchDynamics— Well, I don't know what to say, my erudite friend. I humbly accept your remarks. I thank you for appreciating me.
drbj— You have discerned correctly. She does have a beautiful soul. And her art is beautiful too. Thank you. :)
coffeesnob— You are welcome, my dear. I know she will be thrilled to read your warm words. Thank you so much for your comments. :-)
cameciob— You are truly welcome, dear. I am grateful to you for expressing such warmth toward my friend and her art. Thank you so much.
Ann Nonymous— Hey Ann. I greatly appreciate your visit and comments. :D
James
tonymac04— You're welcome, Tony. I am so glad that you liked her art. You are a good man.
Love and Peace to you
James
A great hub, James, about a very talented artist. Thank you for showing all these wonderful pictures.
Beautiful share. Thanks for sharing this.
Very nice. It is your friend's inborn quality.
James, the friends you keep say alot about you. Thanks for sharing!
wow! she paints like Degas. i am ashamed to say that i have never heard of her. thanks for this hub.
Wonderful creativity of your friend. Well done for sharing it with us. Enjoy.
James, this is a delightful hub. I love your friends art work and that natural way you have of describing who she is and her work. This is a wonderful talent.
Thanks for sharing it will us.
I think Wet Winter Morning is my favorite.
I applaud you for promoting a friend.
Thank you James, for a very intersting hub on Dara Daniels, I didn't know her,but I enjoyed the information . Thank you for sharing. Godspeed. creativeone59
Dear James,
My heart is filled with joy after reading this beautiful Hub you have created of painting and my work and all your lovely friend's kind and generous comments. I can not tell you how much this means in terms of inspiration , to know that others can see beauty in the art I create. If I can bring something to people that they can enjoy it makes it all worth it. I love nature and painting and truly feel life in everything and I love sharing that.
I have enjoyed visiting your Hubs since we have reconnected this last year and feel I have gotten to know your lovely group of friends a little and, have always enjoyed the love you inspire in others because of your generous spirit , intellect and wisdom. I feel exceptionally blessed that you are my friend. My admiration for you was great in our youth and today you are truly a beautiful person and you really are all about love. I also know that you have a genuine love for art and music and you are a wonderful artist in your own right. You too, have experienced the trials and tribulations of pursuing your art form and finding a voice a mist of so many. You have renewed my strength to continue my creative pursuits with your generous support.
Love to you!
Hello, hello,— You are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words about my friend.
JannyC— You're welcome. Thank you for coming by and expressing your appreciation of her art. :-)
H P Roychoudhury— Yes, I agree with what you said about her inborn creativity, HP. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
jiberish— What a gracious thing to say, my dear. Thank you. And you're quite welcome, too. :)
cosette— Like Degas!? What a compliment. If that doesn't make her day, nothing will. Thank you and you're welcome.
AARON99— Thank you for your kind compliments. I am glad you enjoyed her gallery.
Ictodd1947— You are truly welcome, dear. I am well pleased that enjoyed seeing her art.
HealthyHanna— Thanks for the applause! Your favorite is indeed beautiful.
creativeone59— You are welcome, my dear. Thank you very much for taking the time to come and take a look at her art. I appreciate your warm words.
It was an amazing pastel painting,a very talented artist,Thanks to Dara Daniel who shared part of her talented art and I really enjoy reading your article ,It is quite different from bunch of topics you have written before!
James, Absolutely beautiful art and an interesting hub.
This was a really interesting hub. I enjoyed learning more about your friend and her paintings. The paintings were very beautiful. She is very talented.
love the color and the content.... thanks for sharing some beautiful works of art.
James, a fine presentation of such a person on the level of Ms. Daniels origins and progress up to, and including the results of her talent. I like the paintings one and all, but "Ravens on a Gate" wins the prize with me as well. You have a group of talented friends. I'm so behind on reading hubs, it is not funny. God Bless You and Yours.
Dara— Your paintings are beautiful, my dear. You surely create art that people enjoy. I am impressed with the turnout to see your gallery here, and the number of complimentary comments has been great.
I am glad that we have reconnected. You've always possessed a lovely spirit. I am struck by your remark about my "lovely group of friends" here on HubPages. You know, that is absolutely true. They are lovely. Thank you for being my friend. Now let's get out there and create! :D
Love back to you,
James
sord87— You are welcome. Thank you for coming to visit. Yes, this Hub is different—a more personal project. I'll be coming round to check out your Hubs soon, too. I appreciate your kind compliments of the art of my friend.
Pamela99— Thank you for coming. I am grateful to receive your gracious compliments. :-)
nancy_30— I am so glad that you enjoyed the Hub and appreciated Dara's creative talents. Thank you for coming by and for your warm words. :)
lefseriver— Nice to see you again! You are welcome. Thank you for your compliments.
50 Caliber— As a matter of fact, you and Dara have something in common: you both are off the grid! :D
I am blessed with many wonderful friends. God Bless You!
Marvellous hub.
I love art and one of my abiding pleasures is to browse around a good art gallery.
We are spoiled in Glasgow with both the Burrell Collection, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (which holds one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world - a legacy of a bygone era when Glasgow was the second richest city of the British Empire).
So I have to say I was impressed by Miss Daniel's work. It would surely not disgrace an exhibition at Kelvingrove.
Picking a favourite painting is quite impossible, but 'Reflections', 'Reflections II' and 'Stepping Stones' show an uncanny capacity to illustrate the essence of serenity, with water you could drink. And 'Wet Winter Morning' moves me for reasons I cannot express.
And that's what great art is about - the tangible expression of the ineffable.
Her paintings simply draw you in and make you want to walk the landscape and feel and smell the grass and the leaves. They create a hunger and satisfy at the same time.
Superb!
Allan McGregor— Thank you, my friend. I am with you: I love art and I love art galleries.
You, sir, have paid Ms. Daniel an extremely high compliment by stating that her work would fit right in as an exhibition at Kelvingrove. Wow! These words should bring her great joy and satisfaction methinks.
I truly appreciate everything you wrote in your comments here. God Bless You.
Dear Friend, Yes, Let us get to work and create. I completed 6 paintings in March and just posted these on my website. I am building good momentum and feel I am making steps into the right direction. Three of my 2010 paintings have been selected for the "Mendocino Arts for the Parks" in California and there is now an online auction at their site.
I love so much getting these feedback about my work from this Hub. My spirits have been greatly uplifted by so much kindness. Like Degas...That is a big compliment...as he is one of my favorite Masters. I feel very blessed by Allen McGregor's comment that... "my paintings would not disgrace Kelvingrove, Glasgow."
Thank you all and I love you my friend. I will enjoy this for much time to come
Beautiful art! Thanks for sharing.
dara— I think your work is greatly appreciated here. I am well pleased at the response. Your art is good. Let this be a confidence booster for you. :)
Cathi Sutton— Thank you! You are welcome.
all are beautiful and the color are vivid, she used color combination nicely, impressive, thank you Sir, Maita
Beautiful reflections of nature. We are given such gifts of beauty. Thanks Dara for inspiring us to see and realize the connection nature gives us by simply being.
prettydarkhorse— You are welcome, Maita. The artist and I both thank you very much.
Bree— Welcome to HubPages! Dara Daniel is truly an amazing artist. Thank you for your wonderful words. :-)
Absolutely awe inspiring! Thanks for sharing these fabulous painting of nature. If I were an artist, these painting would be what I aspire to paint.
Breath of fresh air!
DynamicS— Thank you for your wonderful comments! You are surely welcome. It was my pleasure to honor my friend and I am well pleased that you enjoyed it. :-)
Hi James,
Thanks for showcasing your friend's wonderful art. As an art lover and artist, I truly appreciate what she creates. I have only dabbled in pastel portraits, but understand the medium and love it. I am happy that I got to read two of Dara's responses to this hub. She certainly appreciates what you have done for her by way of exposing her creations to people who might never have seen it or heard of her. Kudos to you kind sir!
Peggy W— You're welcome. I love art, though I can't draw a decent stickman myself. I have created a lot of music in my day. Dara is a sweet soul. I am glad you liked her pastels. Thank you! :D
Exceptional. I can't draw a straight line but I can recognize incredible talent. Thanks for sharing.
tobey100— Thank you! I can't draw either but my friend Dara is pretty good at it, as you can see. You're welcome.
She's my sister and I love her and her work!I have never seen any of these paintings but one,the Ravens. I am so lucky to have some of her work in our home.She and her work are a gift. Thank you Jim for "showing" xoxox D
Denise Daniel! My true friend. I love you and Dara both. Her art is beautiful! Thank you and you are welcome. :D
Thank you for sharing the beauty of Miss Dara's work. Her paintings are very special. They are all equally excellent. God Bless you and Miss Daniels.
stars439— You are truly welcome, my friend. I agree that Miss Daniel is quite the fine artist. Thank you for saying so.
James A Watkins, Dara's work is marvelous! I thoroughly enjoyed this! There is such a soft quiet tenderness she captures in her work. The vivid subtle color palette exudes life and a calming fresh innocence... Brings to my mind Monet! Thank you for sharing Dara’s lovely original collected works! In His Love, Peace & Blessings, brother James
DeBorrah K. Ogans— Thank you from me and on behalf of Dara. She is a tender soul. You spotted that I see. I found out today that Dara has painted my portrait and is sending it to me! It is a gift that I much appreciate. You are most welcome. Thanks for your warm words.
Dara has incredible art. I have known her all of my youth and not so much in my adulthood. I didn't realize my friend is so talented. I am in awe. Dara is one of the kindest and most kindred spirited person I know.
Patti Ashbrook Effa— Well, I'll be. I remember you well, Patti. I haven't seen you since high school. Thank you for your lovely comments. Dara is one of a kind. And a fine artist, too. It's nice to hear from you. I hope life has been good to you.
James,
It's nice of you to display your friend's art in a hub. She is gifted.
Journey *— Thank you for your gracious words. She is surely gifted. I'm glad you came.
It was especially good to get biographical details and the philosophy behind the artist's work. I enjoyed reading this well-written hub. I particularly liked Ms. Daniel's two paintings here containing birds. I think she has done a marvellous job there depicting the 'birdiness' of birds (couldn't come up with a better word for it than that, sorry!)
Giselle Maine— My friend the artist Dara Daniel has landed a coup since the Hub was published. Her work has been accepted to be displayed and sold from a sophisticated, upscale gallery in Sausalito.
I like "birdiness." If the shoe fits wear it. :)
Thank you for viewing her work. I appreciate your very nice compliments.
Sharon 2 years ago
Very good article about Dara. I had no idea she was an artist. The paintings you posted are absolutely beautiful! I need to catch up on your writings. I have not been on line much. I will have lots to read.