StudioDana2015Cropped

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:

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