Her love of drawing began at an early age with the anticipation of receiving a brand new unscathed coloring book along with perfectly sharp crayons in her Christmas stocking. Shading the objects without visible crayon strokes was by far her ultimate challenge. Her drawing and painting desire grew throughout her childhood. Her father provided the spirit to believe in herself and while her mother was able to give her private art lessons from a dear friend, who was a professional artist.
After graduating from Edinboro State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in art education, Dianna led the art program at Rocky Grove High School in Franklin, Pennsylvania.
In 1988 she moved to Michigan with her husband where she took a hiatus from her art career to raise their three children. Approximately ten years later her passion to draw ignited once again. She began creating colored pencil portraits. She discovered pencils were easy to gather quickly and put away since her children were still young.
In 2004 she collapsed from a pulmonary embolism only to repeat that near fatal collapse again in 2014. She was grateful for the doctors but even more grateful for a merciful God. She felt she needed to share what she was brought here to give…her art.
Dianna participated in juried art shows and festivals with her family in tow who helped tremendously. In 2008 she became a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America where her work was displayed throughout the United States.
In 2017, she became a member of the International Guild of Realism which helped further develop her gift with some of the best artists in the world. She has been in several of their exhibits and won awards for Best of Pioneer in Realism and Best of Landscape. She is now represented by Sugarman-Peterson Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico and her work is among collectors all over the world. As is expected, the markets are appreciating the detail of her work which has led to greater demand for the limited supply. Due to the great detail of her work, it must be done in small scale.
The story behind her art is worth noting. Dianna’s water scenes have become a journey through her life; her journey as a witness of God, her challenges, and most importantly expressions her soul. Every artist dips their brush into their soul. She believes art must be an expression of the artist’s life or it is nothing. Representations, rather than concepts, make impressions more lasting and forceful. Water is a sign of renewal. Every time Dianna paints or draws water, she is renewing her faith while sharing it with her viewers. Just like one’s life, nature changes every moment; from turbulent and unexpected to calm and inviting. Life isn’t about the destination; it’s about the journey, the milestones, the sacrifices and the miracles along the way. She embraces each painting as her life unfolds
with every pencil stroke. As she creates these works of art, she bonds with them. They are her children and every stroke of the pencil she gives another breath of life. She develops a relationship that is so strong, it completely envelops her, enriching her with its innocence and beauty. As with children, she cares for her art and tends to its every need. When children are young, parents nurture and protect them. As she begins, she forms a shield over her art, not allowing herself to make a single stroke on the paper until she has mentally prepared herself for the journey that lies ahead.
A painting changes Dianna’s life just as a child changes a person’s life. Raising children reveals so many things about ourselves we didn’t know and her painting does the same for her. Parents grow with their children and she grows with each of her paintings. Every painting provides her with a new found understanding of life.
With the completion of each work Dianna feels that she is one step closer to fulfilling her dream. As with any dream, once you reach it, there is another waiting to be born. Her paintings have filled her with joy, pleasure and satisfaction. The cycle of creating art however is not a feeling that words can easily describe. It must be felt deep within the soul. Dianna wants to share her children, her art, her passion with the world. She wants these creations to draw you into their story, their energy and their passion. Only then has her dream come true.
