Sheila Danko

My artwork is both abstract and reality based.

I create imaginary landscapes from faded memories of time, place and emotional energy. These “landscapes of the mind” represent feelings and experiences associated with place more than the details of specific places. Through an abstracted, representational style, I strive to create a sense of the familiar in each piece, allowing the viewers’ memories to merge with my own. My hope is that multiple narratives will emerge as each person finds unique meaning in the work through the many layers of color, line, texture and mark making.

I find great joy in mark making, bold color, multiple layers and varied textures. I use a variety of media in my work relying heavily on oil and cold wax, but also, pastel, ink, acrylics and gouache. I work almost exclusively “Alla Prima” to capture the energy I feel in the moment.

I also maintain a daily painting practice focused still life florals or small objects of daily life. These small paintings are intended to be “purposely playful” – training my eyes to explore color, form, value, composition, mark making and mood. They serve as warm-ups for the day’s work and help to keep my painting skills fluid and fresh. I have been doing this for over three years and have several hundred dailies.