By the time I start a painting or digital composition, I feel as if I've been compelled to tell a particular story or capture a moment. The thoughts and images have been whirling around in my head begging to come out and play. Whether a beach scene or whimsical fantasy, there's something that caught me and wouldn't let go.

 

I love being out in nature and especially near the water, whether a lake, a river, ocean, or even a backyard kiddie pool. The sounds, the smells, and ebbing flow rocking me back and forth, soothes my inner child and awakens all my senses at the same time. Compelled to create, I'm transported, joyful, playful, connected and alive.  And hopefully I release that spirit into my work.

 

 

Juried Exhibitions

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Dec 7 - Jan 4, 2019

Summation: year-end show, Escondido Municipal Gallery /

Escondido Arts Partnership

Artwork: I'm a Little Teapot, Oil 40x30 

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Aug 1 - Sept 2, 2018

2018 Open Juried Award Show, Carlsbad Oceanside Art League

Artwork: I'm a Little Teapot, Oil 40x30 

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June 9 - July 1, 2017

Illusion: Abstracts & Surreal, Escondido Municipal Gallery /

Escondido Arts Partnership

Artwork: Up, Acrylic 48x36 

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June 3 - July 4 2017 

2017 Fine Arts Exhibition, San Diego County Fair in Del Mar

Artwork: Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, Acrylic 18x24  

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Sept 2016

Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, COAL Gallery

Artwork: Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, Acrylic 18x24  

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May 13 - June 4, 2016

Contemporary Realism, Escondido Municipal Gallery / Escondido Arts Partnership

Artwork: Up in the trees, Photography Digital Composite
 

June 3 - July 4, 2016

2016 Fine Arts Exhibition, San Diego County Fair

Artwork: Rushing in, Acrylic 36x36; Little man, Big waves, Acrylic 48x36; Up, Acrylic 48x36 (Received honorable mention)

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June 10 - July 2, 2016

Abstracts & Surrealism, Escondido Municipal Gallery / Escondido Arts Partnership. Artwork: Come fly with me

 
 

Bio

Darla is a full-time artist, wanderer and enjoyer of life. As a marketing communications professional at Microsoft, she used her digital storytelling, design and branding experience on many varying, high-impact and often pioneering projects. Mixing her love for art with business, from 2007 to 2011 she managed the Microsoft Art Collection with over 5,000 works in Microsoft buildings throughout the world.

 

Darla loves the challenge of breaking new ground, taking a kernel of an idea and turning it into reality -- and having a blast along the way. She focuses that same energy on creating original paintings, photography and digital compositions with a joyful and playful spirit. She lives in sunny San Diego, California where she works from her home studio surrounded by eucalyptus trees on Breeze Hill.