Danelle Dee Art

Statement

I try to understand the world by putting it on canvas, and I find that understanding through plants. Nature calms me. In a chaotic and confusing world, my autistic brain takes things literally, and observing flowers and plants gives me a place to breathe, both literally and emotionally. When I paint botanical subjects, I can control the details, the pace, the process. Even when reality feels out of control, my paintings are one place I always have control.

I work in both watercolor and oil paint. Watercolor's immediacy allows me to let go and work loosely, while oil lets me work slowly and deliberately, building layers over time. I'm currently developing my oil painting practice, drawn to the way oil doesn't rush me. I can come back day after day to add more, to go deeper.

I paint because it helps me process emotions and see what life is really about. Plants are there to help us breathe, and painting them helps me breathe too. Through my work, I want to invite others to slow down, look closely, and find peace in the natural world.