Artist Biography

ARTIST STATEMENT

"I paint whatever subject compels me at the moment ... whatever is infused with beauty, mystery or drama ... whatever is calling to me. The love of painting draws me to portraiture and figurative painting, when tiny nuances in gesture or expression draw from the memory and emotion of the viewer. The love of painting takes me to the still life, to capture the silent flow of lavender, cloudy-day light falling from an open window, or to the landscape, where the combination of land forms, water and cloud create endless compositions. The love of painting takes me to more interior landscapes where abstract feelings come to life on canvas or paper. I love everything about painting ... the weight and feel of the brush in my hand, that initial squeeze from a new tube of paint, the first stroke on a fresh canvas, the moment when I lock into that timeless place of absorption, or that one perfect elusive stroke. Painting is a delight, a meditation and practice in present moment awareness. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate my love of life with others."

ARTIST BACKGROUND

Multiple award winning artist Dianna Shyne infuses her paintings and workshops with a sense of vitality and life-affirming joy.

Pursuing her passion for art, Dianna has spent the past 25 years working in acrylic, oil and watercolor, studying extensively with many renowned teachers. She merges her 15 years of study in the disciplined art of Russian Impressionism with her own life experiences to create lively and contemporary imagery.

Compelling compositions, richly textured surfaces, and a dynamic interplay of color form the basis of Dianna’s unique style. Her subject matter is as varied as her passions and interests. Inspiration for her paintings comes from childhood memories, friendships, travels, fascinations, and dreams.

A popular workshop leader and show juror, Dianna has had over 15 solo exhibitions in less than five years, more than a dozen top national awards, and many articles in local and national publications. She is also a member of Women Painters of Washington, and has served as president of the Northwest Watercolor Society.

Whether it is teaching in areas as historically rich as Wu Han China, as remote as Nunavut Territories, or in her native Pacific Northwest Dianna Shyne is dedicated to the artistic development of her students. To Dianna, teaching is a joy as well as an art. Conveying not only theoretical art concepts but also delving into the deeper issues of creativity and the ongoing artistic journey, Dianna’s classes are both informative and inspirational.

Currently, Dianna lives in the Fremont district of Seattle and works in a studio she built in 2003.

Dianna Shyne
Seattle, WA