Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianna Fritzler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dianna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I think my passion for art started in the photography darkroom at the University of Wyoming, watching images “magically” appear in the chemical solutions. It became a true outlet for me and I loved heading to the darkroom after a couple of beers and some swing dancing. I continued with my black and white photography for 17 years until the only darkroom open to the public closed down. So, I thought, “What the heck. I’ll take a painting class.” I was by far the most underprepared and overly excited person in the class. About a year later, people started buying my paintings and I was totally gobsmacked – although honored! And when my art teacher entered me in an art show that I had to produce about 40 paintings for, things got real. Real fast!
Now, nearly 20 years later, my art continues to change as I learn, explore and experience. Currently, my two big passions are painting and teaching Cold Wax as well as Bodacious Blooms workshops around the country. Cold wax medium is so fun (and messy) to paint with because it’s like working with frosting. I even use baking utensils when I paint with cold wax to apply and remove areas of paint. My Bodacious Blooms are super vibrant, “not-so-still-lives.” that are created with acrylic and lots of fun mark-making tools. Both of these bodies of work almost always start out with absolute chaotic colors and mark-making. From there, I edit and try to find a happy balance between excitement and not being too crazy. It’s a process that memorizes me every time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh no! My journey has definitely not been a smooth one. Many twists, turns and even cliffs have met me along the way. However, I feel that each one was and is intended to help me learn about myself and the world more deeply. I have had several interruptions in my life as an artist, beginning with being diagnosed with severe depression in 1995, soon after giving birth to my second daughter. As difficult as that time was, the toolbox I gained through extensive therapy is a gift I will use throughout my life.
Two moves, a difficult trip to Africa, a few surgeries and needing to go back to work in an office with a paycheck and health insurance for a few years all came about from 2013 – 2017. Then, in 2019, just as I was hitting my groove again with painting and teaching workshops around the country, breast cancer decided to come pay a visit. I just completed radiation and my third and final surgery and am cancer free! Whoohoo! I am still in the process of discovering the gifts from that journey, but I don’t take things too seriously and my relationships with others have grown as well as my intense desire to paint and teach.
Now, we are all facing COVID-19. WTF!?!? As a painter, I am used to working alone. However, as a bit of an extrovert and lover of people, it has been incredibly challenging. Of course, all shows, art festivals and my workshops have been cancelled for a bit, which has presented the opportunity to learn how to move my business online even more. Talk about a steep learning curve! I look forward to the challenge and to coming out the other side of this with more compassion, kindness and exuberance!
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My business has morphed quite a bit from the days of strictly selling my original paintings. I now have an Etsy store with scarves, pillows, prints, placemats, table runners – all with my artwork on them and have also recently signed with a licensing company. I, like so many artists, find it necessary to create multiple streams of income to grow and generate ongoing revenue.
Additionally, being a faculty member at the Art Students League of Denver and teaching workshops in other locations has really become a large focus of my business. I am told, over and over, that my workshops are unique because of the vast amount of information that I share, the one-on-one guidance, the nurturing and encouraging atmosphere and, of course, the fun! Oh, and I always supply bubble gum and chocolate for all.
I absolutely love working with people and have also developed a mentoring arm of my business. I currently work with four artists/student around the country in a virtual format to help them grow in their creative endeavors and will be expanding those mentorship opportunities in the very near future. I am so thankful that I get to do what I love nearly every day – paint and play with other people! What could be better?!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I am really focusing on rearranging my idea of success. In the past, I relied on others to tell me how successful I was – either through the sale of paintings, shows I got into, etc. It was exhausting!
Now, I truly try to pinpoint my own successes. On most days – I consider myself successful if I have:
– Done my prayers and meditation
– Released judgement (of myself and others)
– Acted out of kindness and love
– Exercised and eaten healthy
– Loved my family as best I can
– Taken the time to enjoy the small things
– Lost my phone or keys less than six times
I’m definitely NOT saying I always achieve success. There’s just too much good chocolate and wine in the world! But, even if I try I am successful. The other thing that is so rewarding for me and that I would consider a success is when students in my workshops just light up and are on fire to create! That is so awesome to experience!
Pricing:
- Original paintings $250 – $5000
- Printed merchandise $29 – $99
- Workshops $285 – $650 (depending on location and length)
Contact Info:
- Address: 15942 Parkside Dr. Parker, CO
- Website: https://www.dfritzlerart.com/
- Phone: 970-260-7982
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfritzler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exuberantart/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dfritzlerart
Image Credit:
ArtRooms App
Callie Rapke
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