Dana Grubbe

"Painting, to me, is a conversation.  I start multiple paintings at the same time (a social butterfly at a party), working on them one after another, laying down color, texture, and pattern, scraping away or incising, making marks. And then, things become intense (I am fascinated) and I focus on just one painting, one conversation.  Sometimes I work until a specific painting is finished but I am more likely to work to a point, set the painting aside for a few days or longer, and then, engage in conversation again.

I like to work in series: Social Distancing, Memories of India, Travels in Ireland, Moons of Jupiter. I often use photographic references from my travels, but some paintings are inspired by memory and emotion. I’m a big process person.  I may make my own encaustic paints, or stencils.  I like to mix color and try new techniques. I often “paint” with scrapers, rollers, even my hands, using several colors at the same time. My roots are in printing, which is where I see the first indication of my interest in abstraction. My journey has taken me through encaustic, encaustic monotypes, oil and cold wax and into repurposed house paint, acrylic and metal leaf. Each of these mediums have special qualities that I may reach for as I am creating.

I am a later-bloomer. I discovered art first through architecture, museums, and travel.  I started art college after retirement. I have always thought education was important and art education is no different. I continue to take classes.  In 2019, I started teaching workshops and it turns out; I love teaching too.” - Dana Grubbe