Art & Life with Diana Madaras

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Madaras.

Diana, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I had painted in high school and college but stopped for 15 years because I was so busy with my sports marketing career. In 1992, I saw another artist’s work while on vacation and I was inspired to paint again. One year later, a professor at the University of Arizona saw my work and convinced me to take a month-long trip to Greece to paint with his group. That trip changed my life. My black and white world transformed to color, and I discovered euphoria for me was painting. Three years later, I sold my marketing company to become a full-time artist, then opened Madaras Gallery in 1999. We started with 100 customers who bought something from us that year. Twenty years later, we have 30,000 customers. I am living my dream.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I paint in watercolor and acrylic, and subject matter includes southwest landscapes, architecture, florals and animals. I like variety in both subject matter and mediums. That keeps me interested. People often use the words “color and joy” to describe my paintings. I am just as excited about a blank canvas today as I was when I first started painting.

Painting for me is as essential as eating and breathing. It is the way I connect to the earth,

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My advice to other artists is never stop learning, and never stop marketing. I find taking a workshop or two every year helps me stay motivated and my art continues to evolve. If you want to make a living as an artist, marketing is half the battle. You have to be as committed to your brand as you are to your work.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen at Madaras Gallery in Tucson (3035 N. Swan Road) or online at www.madaras.com.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3035 N. Swan Rd
  Tucson, AZ 85718
• Website: www.madaras.com
• Phone: 520-615-3001
• Email: diana@madaras.com

Image Credit:
Jack Kulawik for all

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