Artist Biography

I have a BA in Business and worked in that field for many years. Later in my life when I had children and began working in the schools with Special Needs children in order to work in the school schedule to spend more time with my own children. Then I was forced to stop working due to a disability and found my way back to the art I so loved as a child. That was 6 years ago. I now spend my time working on my art and volunteering with art groups. Art is what I surround myself with.

I classify myself as a scratchboard artist. I was attracted to this medium 10 years ago because of the dramatic contrast that can be achieved. Before scratchboard, I was a graphite artist but often became frustrated by not being able to achieve the deep blacks I desired. Since I discovered this medium in 2013 it’s been my main focus.

My pieces often have hidden messages within them. This is because I want them to speak to the viewers. Scratchboard is not a fast medium and larger pieces will often take me a month to complete. I usually work 4-5 hours a day at my studio at the Art Center in Newton, Iowa.

During the winter of 2020, I published my first children’s book (I am the writer and illustrator). It can be found on Amazon.

Danna answers some fun questions!

Can you articulate what draws you to a particular composition?

The lights and darks of a scene are my major concerns of a composition. I look for something to pull me into it. I also look for a strong contrast. If it’s not there in the reference I will create it.

If you could have one work of art in your home from a museum or private collection, what would it be?

I have made it a habit to collect pieces from artists that I admire. Most of my collection is from other scratchboard artists. I do not have originals from a couple of the Master Scratchers and I would like to add an original from Cathy Sheeter and Scott Krohn. Someday that will happen.

Why did you decide to work in your chosen medium?

I discovered scratchboard about 12 years ago on the internet. I was attracted to it because of the contrast and different textures that could be achieved. My style has changed through the years but the appeal of the contrast has kept me hooked and I continue to always try to get a new

texture from a new abrasive tool that I may find. I have recently been working on doing scratchboard en plein air. This has been great fun for me as I love to be outside doing art.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

I love nature, the look, the smell, the textures, the feelings of it all. I’m also a meditator and I often get inspiration in my times of silence. I am a member of The International Society of Scratchboard Artists. I have been a member for 11 years and the group is like a family. I am constantly inspired by those in the group. Sharing the medium with them is a huge part of my life.