Featured Artist Dianna Fritzler

Artist Dianna Fritzler uses layers of oil and cold wax to create engaging abstract paintings. Find more of her portfolio by visiting her website.

 

 

Growing up in Wyoming gave me a deep appreciation for wide open spaces and western art. I didn’t formally study art in school, but instead majored in journalism at the University of Wyoming. But I would be in the darkroom at all hours of the day and night developing my black and white photography.

 

 

That was the beginning of my passion for art. Somehow, it rather accidentally morphed into painting over the years. At the age of twenty-five, I quit my public relations job and backpacked around the world for a year with a dear friend. Visiting every art museum and architectural site we could is what sealed my absolute desire to paint.

 

 

An incredible artist from Grand Junction, Colorado took me under her wing, taught me how to paint from my heart and how to break art “rules” that didn’t work for me. I will forever thank her!

 

 

It has been nearly twenty years since my genesis as a professional artist. My art continues to change as I learn, explore and experience new journeys in my life. I primarily paint with cold wax and oil, which is like working with frosting. I even use some baking tools to apply and remove paint during this textural, multi-layered process.

 

 

Each painting begins with vibrant colors and wild mark-making. From there I edit, layer by layer, until I find a happy balance between excitement and calm.

 

 

While my color can be wild and free flowing, my compositions and shapes are much more controlled and defined.

 

 

Often, my paintings will have ten to twenty-five layers of paint. Each layer offers the challenge of not only what to add, but what to take away.

 

 

I typically don’t start a painting with an idea of what I want it to be. I simply allow the shapes, colors, lines and space within each layer direct me where to go next. It’s quite a lengthy and fun dance we have!

 

 

My other absolute passion is teaching. I’m honored to be a faculty member at the Art Students League of Denver. I also teach numerous other workshops throughout the country. Constantly meeting new artists and sharing ideas, techniques and inspiration brings me great joy.

 

 

I love working with people and have developed a mentoring arm of my business. Currently, I work with several artists/students around the country in a virtual format to help them grow in their creative endeavors. I’ll be expanding those mentorship opportunities in the very near future. I’m so thankful that I get to do what I love nearly every day—paint and play with other people! What could be better?!

 

Artist Dianna Fritzler invites you to follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Etsy.

 

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