We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel Angeles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

My greatest hope is that my artwork, narratives and hidden messages will be admired and discussed by art lovers and critics alike, for many years to come. I try to keep my art positive with uplifting messages, even when they are derived from a darker place. I want people to find the joy in my paintings and to be inquisitive as to their true meanings and inspirations. I would love for my name and the artwork I’ve created to live on, much longer than I am to be in this life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Art and creativity have been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. Since the time that I can hold a pencil in my hand, I have expressed myself through my art. While my technical skills and imagination have advanced significantly since that time, I still hold on to the same passion and drive that I felt as a child.

As an adult I have been able to hone in my talents and utilize them as a sort of illustrated journal. Telling my stories and life experiences through whimsical imagery filled with positive energy. This is not only a way for me to make my living, but it’s also therapeutic in so many ways. My illustrations are full of tight, clean lines that many say are unlike any other watercolor works they’ve seen before. This is always a huge compliment that I take a lot of pride in, as I prefer my art to be a tad unusual.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My being a primarily self taught artist, there are many techniques that I’ve picked up along my journey, mostly by trial and error, but I’ve also been given advice or informal training that was intended as helpful suggestions, but ultimately didn’t work for my personal process and style of art. One of which being the need to soak and “treat” watercolor paper before beginning the creation process. Since I prefer my artwork to remain tight and clean, unlike most watercolorists, I do not soak or treat my paper before I start painting. This allows the paint to remain where I place it, as opposed to spreading out and creating the typical look most of us are used to seeing with Watercolor art. By doing this, it sets my artwork apart from most others and gives me a unique style that collectors have gravitated to.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that being honest and ethical with my clients as well as my business partners goes a very long way. While this was something that was taught to me by my mother early on in life, it has remained with me and I gravitate to always doing the right thing, even when there may be an easier or more monetarily beneficial option. An example would be selling to a potential client, when they’ve contacted me directly. It’s something I just won’t do if I know that person has found me through one of my representing galleries. While I would cut out a gallery commission, the risk would be losing the trust and loyalty of the support system and sales teams I rely on. This benefits no one, other than a slight and temporary increase in the amount I make on a painting. I’d rather do what is right for my own peace of mind, as well as strengthening the bond between myself and the team that works hard to show and sell my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArtByDAngeles.com
• Instagram: ArtByDAngeles