My journey as an artist is steeped in my love for animals. As a child, they were the main subject of every drawing. Although art school was a consideration, I was encouraged to pursue a degree in science, ultimately earning a degree in microbiology. After a few years in the laboratory, I moved into clinical trial management. However, art was always calling & I enrolled in night art classes at UCSD. Due to work travel, I fell two art history classes short of completing my Art & The Creative Process Professional Certificate, but at least I had some art training under my belt.
In 2006, I walked away from my corporate job, downsized, and moved to Southern Oregon, giving me the flexibility to pursue art, as well as various volunteer activities. I started taking oil painting classes and teaching children’s art classes. I volunteered at our local shelter, walking dogs and later helping run their bunny adoption program. I also volunteered at a local animal sanctuary, conducting farm tours, photographing their animals for social media, and eventually joining their board.
Surprisingly, it took a few years, and almost quitting as a painter, to understand that I was only motivated to paint when the subject was an animal! I love reflecting their personalities and am especially inspired by the backstories of shelter & sanctuary
animals. I now use my art to help raise money for animal charities and rescue groups and am a member HeARTsSpeak, an international group of artists whose mission is to give animals a unified voice. Proceeds from all of my art sales are donated to animal charity groups.
Currently, I live in Carlsbad, CA with my husband, our adopted animal family of four bunnies and a highly energetic Border Collie.
Awards/Recognition/Publications:
2024
Ashton Art Gallery – Honorable Mention, “Barnyard” Art Show
2019
Rogue Valley Messenger – Artist Interview https://www.roguevalleymessenger.com/gift-idea-buy-local-art-spotlight-on-dana-feagin/
2017
Love Rhymes with Everything – animal ruminations through poetry and paintings, Art by Dana Feagin and Poetry by Kat von Cupcake – published by Ashland Creek Press, February
2015
Contributing Artist – Paws for Charity Magazine, “Out of the Rat Race”, March
2014
Contributing Artist – 1000 Dog Portraits, From the People Who Love Them, curated by Robynne Rayne
Featured Artist – Southern Oregon Living Magazine, Spring Issue – April
Contributing Artist – Paws for Charity 2014 Art Book
2013
Contributing Artist – The Caterpillar Magazine, Premier Issue
Contributing Arist – Paws for Charity 2013 Art Book
Ashland Daily Tidings, Front Page “The Horses of Equamore” http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20130228%2FNEWS02%2F302280304#
2012
Second Place Oils/Acrylics – Irving Arts National Wildlife Art Competition
Two Meritorious Entries – Richeson Animals, Wildlife and Bird Art Competition
Special Recognition Artist – Light Space Time International Animal Art Competition and Show
Contributing Artist – Cat Sayings: Wit and Wisdom from the Whiskered Ones, Bradford G. Wheler
Contributing Artist – Mural Painter for Extreme Home Makeover, Jackson County Edition
Contributung Artist – Ongoing Print Advertising for Sanctuary One
2011
Gamblin Award for Excellence in Oils – Irving Arts Association National Fine Art Pet Portrait Competition and Show
Meritorious Entry – Richeson Animals, Wildlife and Bird Art Competition
Two Honorable Mention Entries – Richeson Small Works Competition
Top 3 Finalist – Dog Art Today/Mutt Lynch Winery Wine Label Competition
You must be logged in to post a comment.