Artist Dana Rodney presents a fascinating portfolio of ethereal watercolor paintings inspired by the natural world. See more from this talented painter by visiting her website.
“Just Before Dawn” watercolor, 11″ x 11″
As a child, I’d often be found sitting somewhere by myself, writing or drawing. But life intervened, and I occupied my adult years with making money and raising a child.
“Dissonance” watercolor, 11″ x 15″
It wasn’t until after retirement at age 60 that I started painting. (Ironic, because my career had been as an owner of a custom framing business, making other people’s art look good!) I took a watercolor class at a local community college in 2022 and I was hooked.
“Sunset in Fog” watercolor 7″ x 21″
Since then, I’ve sacrificed my master bedroom and turned it into an art studio. I take ongoing online classes from Scott Swinson, Dolores Phelps and Jean Haines. I’m trying to develop my own style of watercolor painting focusing on wildlife and nature subjects.
“Feast of the Monarchs” watercolor, 11″ x 15″
I juxtapose loose techniques with sharp-focus techniques in my paintings. I enjoy using saturated, layered colors. I’m currently experimenting with granulating or self-evolving colors. My work is shown at the Russian River Art Gallery in Guerneville, California.
“Raven King” watercolor, 11″ x 22″
I’m passionate about wildlife and nature conservation, and hope my paintings spark the same passion in the viewer. I try to find the “soul of the thing” in everything I paint. On that subject, I wrote a novel titled The Last Polar Bear (available on Amazon.) This fictional account is written from the point-of-view of the world’s last living polar bear and the Inuit woman who tries to save it. I’m proud to be an award winner in the 2025 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition.
“Taking Wing” watercolor, 6″ x 14″
My art aspirations for the future include going bigger with my paintings, and perhaps getting looser and more emotive, more impressionistic. It is harder to do than it looks!
“February” watercolor, 11″ x 11″
Watercolor is a challenging medium to go big with, since it dries quickly and cannot be painted over. Watercolor painting is very “Zen” in that it requires intention and focus, and you must commit to what you’ve put down.
“Vertical Sunset” watercolor, 6″ x 18″
Watercolor has taught me a lot about life: Don’t overwork it. Let it flow. Have intention. Don’t rush the outcome. If it doesn’t work, move on!
“View from the Dunes” watercolor 10″ x 21″
I’m so excited to have found this passion for watercolor to devote the rest of my life to. Thanks for looking! I’d love to hear from you.
Dana Rodney invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram.