Conversations with the Inspiring Diyana Gentry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diyana Gentry.

Diyana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Elin Pelin, Bulgaria. Since I was a child, I have always loved drawing and painting. My mother’s cousin was a professional artist who taught me how to draw and sketch with a pencil, and this was the beginning of my love for creating art. After meeting my husband in an English language class I was taking, in 2009 I moved to the United States, married my soulmate and proudly became a U.S. Citizen on August 2, 2015. I never was able to make a career of art until 2017, when I decided to quit my job and pursue my passion for painting. I have been painting full time since then constantly doing my best to grow. I have met many great artists and people that have influenced what I paint and my style. I am obsessed with hyperrealism and strive to become better with this style of art each day.

Art is just what I have always wanted to do. It is who I am and my passion. Throughout my life, painting is something I never stopped doing, I just was not always able to focus on it as much as I would have liked to. For me, it is an important activity that makes me happy and fulfills my life with happiness and gratitude. I feel emptiness if I go for long periods of time without painting, so it is now integrated into my soul and a part of me being who I am. The more I painted, the more I wanted to paint. Sharing my work and seeing people accept and appreciate my art keeps me motivated.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road, as for most artists I assume. As with any business, it takes a huge amount of time, resources, persistence and a bit of luck. I am fortunate enough to be able to continue to pursue this dream and try to grow my art business. Even though my art business is a “startup”, my confidence and quality of work are bringing success to me and my passion. If I were to give advice, I would say keep your chin up, keep your passion and never be afraid to go after your dream.

Please tell us more about your art.
My specialties are oil and fine art, and I also do abstract acrylics occasionally. This is always growing and my biggest accomplishment and notables are my color combinations. I have a unique eye for color and it shows in my work.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Business ownership opportunities and support for women-owned businesses. Technology allows a shorter “learning curve” because so many different styles can be researched and studied and learned, as well as the tools available to learn new techniques and processes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.diyanagentry.com
• Email: info@diyanagentry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diyana_gentry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diyana.Gentry.Art/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/diyana_art
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/diyanaaa

Image Credit:
Diyana Gentry

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