Living the Dream!
Yesterday I had the honor of presenting my work to DreamWorks Animation Studios. I've been a big fan of their creativity, artistry, and ingenuity for years, from the Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon franchises to more recently Turbo and Trolls. I got to talk about my artwork and my experience of being a painter, and then followed it up with an oil painting demo (although I could've benefited from a demo by their talented artists). It was truly a pleasure and now I'm an even bigger fan. A big thank you to Clint Heidorn for making this happen!
CA Modern Magazine Cover
Look ma, I made the cover!
What an honor to return to the cover of CA Modern magazine for the Summer 2020 issue. This quarterly publication focuses on some of the most fascinating stories about mid-century architecture, art, design, and culture. Initially emphasizing Eichler homes, this magazine has expanded to cover other homes and Modern communities throughout the West Coast. This particular issue has a great article about the resurgence of scooters and my painting of a classic Lambretta only seemed fitting for the cover.
Order copies online or view them for free here:
https://www.eichlernetwork.com/catalog/ca-modern-magazine/ca-modern-magazine
A big thank you to Marty Arbunich for making this happen!
US Modernist Podcast
Love Modernism? Love Artwork? Then you need to tune in to US Modernist Radio, a fascinating podcast covering all things Modern, including architecture, history, artwork, events, and more. I had the pleasure of being a guest along with fellow artist John Pirman from Sarasota. In this episode, we get to talk with host George Smart (Mr. Modernism) about our early days of being artists, the impact of Modernism on our artwork, plus some hot Disney talk! Stream on the website or your favorite podcast supplier. Put it on for that long drive, while you work, or during cocktail hour at the end of the day. A big thank you to George Smart and the rest of the team for this fun opportunity!
Shoutout LA Interview
I’m happy to share with you an insightful interview I just did with Shoutout LA! This online magazine shares the vibrant stories of LA’s entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives, and I’m honored to be among those featured. My particular interview focuses on risk-taking and my approach to facing critical decisions. Read about some of my most notable experiences and even hear about my ideal day in LA. A big thank you to Stephanie Rodriguez for this opportunity!
https://shoutoutla.com/danny-heller-fine-artist/
Mother's Day Special
As a “thank you” to all those great mothers out there who helped steer us in the right direction, I’m offering 20% OFF all prints now through Sunday (Mother’s Day) at midnight! Choose from a wide selection of high quality prints, printed using archival inks on smooth cotton paper. This only applies to prints fulfilled by me, not my galleries as noted in the description. Just use the code MOM20 at checkout!
Venice Art Walk & Auction
Get your bid in!
I'm so happy to announce my participation in the annual Venice Art Walk & Auction 2020! For over a decade, I've been able to take part in this inspiring art event that raises much needed funds for the Venice Family Clinic. This year, things are a little different: instead of one day of studio tours and an auction, all the artwork will be live on Artsy to bid on from May 3rd - 19th. View over 150 works by nationally recognized contemporary artists and bid to help support the clinic's essential services to the community.
My painting, Metropolis II, takes inspiration from Chris Burden's famous sculpture located at the LA County Museum of Art. It has fun elements of architecture and automobiles that are the usual subjects of my paintings. Measuring 25x36," this piece is a steal starting at $1,700!
https://www.artsy.net/…/venice-art-walk-benefit-auction-2020
More Coloring Pages
As we all continue our daily grind sheltered at home, I thought I’d add some more coloring pages here for everyone’s enjoyment. The reaction to the last posting was stellar - people seem to really love the relaxing, creative release that coloring brings. And hopefully people are learning a thing or two about some of this striking Palm Springs midcentury architecture as well. Here’s the Palm Springs Art Museum by architect E. Stewart Williams from 1976 and Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center, originally the Sante Fe Savings & Loan Building, by architect E. Stewart Williams from 1960. Just save each image on your computer and then print them. Please use the hashtag #DannyHellerColor if you want to post them on social media and I might just give you a special shout-out. Thanks and happy coloring!
Quaratine Coloring Time
Since we’re all staying inside, trying to keep busy (especially all you with kiddos), I thought I’d post these two Palm Springs line drawings for you to print out and color. There’s the House of Tomorrow by architect William Krisel and Palm Springs City Hall by architect Albert Frey. It’s super easy: just save each image on your computer and then print them! The hard part is figuring out a super cool color scheme. Please use the hashtag #DannyHellerColor if you want to post them on social media and I might just give you a special shout-out. And judging by how many people use these, I might end up posting some more. Any particular Palm Springs landmarks you’d like to see? Just shoot me an email or comment and let me know. Thanks and happy coloring!
New Enamel Pins
I'm excited to announce a special I'm running for one week only: order any print* on my website and receive a free Danny Heller enamel pin! Taking inspiration from my painting, "Oldsmobile and A Frame," this pin features a classic Oldsmobile 88 in shades of teal and powder blue. I've been working on these beauties for some time and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. Measuring 1.5" wide and .75" high, they are perfect for your lapel, jacket, bag, or even pop it into a cork board for display. The colors and details have to be seen in person, including the intricate grill work and brushed metal headlights. Each pin has a metal back clasp, attaching it to the display card, which is then individually wrapped. And as of now, your only opportunity to own one is to purchase a print, so place your order now through March 31st at midnight!
*limited to prints fulfilled by me. Please note on print description if fulfilled exclusively through a gallery.
Simpler Times
What a difference a month makes. This shot was from February's Art Palm Springs art fair, George Billis Gallery booth, where we all were relieved that there was no flash flooding that day. A relatively small problem compared to today's pandemic. Chin up and stay positive - this will all be behind us at some point and I think we’ll be much more appreciative of what we have and what we’re able to do. I hope everyone is staying safe and calm out there. And remember to wash your hands!
Edris House Panorama, oil on canvas, 24x36, 2020
Art Palm Springs
Come out to the annual Art Palm Springs art fair, opening this Thursday Feb 13th 5-9pm, to see some of my original oil paintings in person! I'll have a large showing at the George Billis Gallery booth, including a brand new painting, Edris House Panorama. This fair always showcases some of the biggest and best galleries and artists out there, so you're not going to want to miss it. And it runs concurrent with the Modernism Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center! Stop by through Monday, Feb 17th!
February 13-17th
Palm Springs Convention Center
Black Betty, gouache on paper, 9x12,” 2019
Black Betty
I’m proud to have this cool new car painting, Black Betty, in the group show “Bad, Very Bad,” now on view at La Fiambrera Gallery in Madrid. Stop by before February 2nd to see this awesome group show feautring many of the gallery’s artists doing their best “bad” artwork.
La Fiambrera Gallery
Calle del Pez 7
28004 Madrid
Tiki Modern Print Signing Party
Your midcentury tiki escape awaits! Step back in time at Palm Springs’s famed tiki bar, The Reef, inside the historic Caliente Tropics Resort, for an evening of art, music, and tropical libations. Join me at this exclusive print signing event, where I’ll be unveiling new limited edition giclee prints of my tiki-themed artwork, in addition to other collectable goodies. These special prints capture the exotic beauty of the Caliente Tropic’s grounds, including its classic Polynesian design, while being deeply rooted in Palm Springs Modernism. This fun evening also features the swaying sounds of the one-and-only Tony Aloha, better known as Tony Marsico of the Martini Kings. No party is complete without a proper cocktail, so purchase the featured signature drink of the evening or try one of The Reef’s many tiki classics. The event runs from 4-6pm, but stay longer to enjoy your own slice of paradise!
Date: February 14th, 4-6pm
Free Event, with artwork and beverages available for purchase.
The Reef
411 E Palm Canyon Rd
Palm Springs, California 92264
2019 Recap
Happy New Year!
Wow, 2019 was a big year! From L.A. to artfairs, from Disneyland to New York, I’m barely catching my breath... A big thank you to everyone out there who has supported my work over the last decade. It's been a wild ride, filled with some amazing moments and achievements I never thought possible. I appreciate everyone's kind words, seeing smiling faces at my shows, and of course, people adding one of my creations to their daily lives. 2020 has some big events planned, so stay tuned for all the latest!
Final Week of Exhibit
We’re down to the final week of my Birth of the Cool exhibit at the George Billis Gallery NYC. Showing this series to the public and hearing the wonderful feedback has been so rewarding. It means a lot to me that I can share my world with people and that they can develop an appreciation for (or further their appreciation of) the great midcentury architecture, design, and art of New York City. This Saturday is your last chance to stop by the gallery to see the paintings in person, 10-6pm.
George Billis Gallery
Temporary location due to construction:
521 West 26th St. 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Thank You NYC
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the opening of "Birth of the Cool," my solo show at the George Billis Gallery NYC! A truly spectacular evening surrounded by some of the kindest, most interesting people in the city. Many thanks to George for this opportunity and to the fine sponsors of the evening: YRB Magazine, Ogilvy, Shinju Japanese Whiskey, and Miolo Wine Group!
"Birth of the Cool" is on view through December 7th.
www.georgebillis.com
Artifacts, oil on canvas, 34x28,” 2019
NYC Exhibit
We’re less than a week away from the opening of my latest New York exhibit, Birth of the Cool! Please join me this Thursday, November 7th from 6-8pm at the George Billis Gallery NYC for the opening reception and unveiling of this brand new body of work. I’m really proud of this series, focusing on the midcentury Modern architecture, design, and other “relics” that can still be found in the big city today. See you there!
Birth of the Cool
November 5th - December 7th, 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 7th, 6-8pm
George Billis Gallery
Temporary location due to construction:
521 West 26th St. 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Flight Center, oil on canvas, 25x48,” 2019
Birth of the Cool
I’m happy to announce my latest exhibit, Birth of the Cool, will open Thursday, November 7th 6-8pm at the George Billis Gallery, NYC! This will be my fourth solo show in New York and I couldn’t be prouder. Here’s some information about the content of this series:
My latest series opening at the George Billis Gallery, Birth of the Cool, celebrates the continued relevance of the midcentury “cool” lifestyle of Manhattan. As the tide of time slowly creeps in and washes away the city’s historic landscape, I capture these unique elements of the metropolis that are under contestant threat of development. In an era when the architecture was forward-thinking, guests dressed their best for airline travel, and the jet age influenced even automobile design, the impact of optimism was felt daily. From a 1959 Ford Galaxie to the organic curves of an Eames chair, society was changing, embracing avant-garde design, and incorporating strong, streamlined forms in all aspects of the built environment. This series of paintings focuses on these segments of design – the architecture, furniture, automobiles, and even fashion – that communicated a creative exuberance through bold aesthetics. Seeing the graceful contour of the iconic TWA Flight Center paired with the swooping lines of a 1959 Oldsmobile, one is able to connect the stylistic parallels between these facets of the Modern metropolis. Paintings featuring touchstones of midcentury furniture not only showcase their own intrinsic beauty, but when viewed with the rest of the body of work, reinforce the element of “cool” that ran deep in the design of the time. While this series communicates the innovative power of these vestiges of the past, it should also act as a reminder that they, in fact, still exist, eager to enrich our daily lives.
Birth of the Cool
November 5 - December 7, 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 7th, 6-8pm
George Billis Gallery
525 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
Autumn Savings
Step into the new season with new artwork! To celebrate the beginning of Autumn, I’m offering 15% off all prints sold through my website (gallery sold prints will say so in the description). Just use the code AUTUMN15 at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only good through this Friday, September 27th at midnight. So stop by my online shop and see all the fine giclee prints I have offered, including some new ones. Refresh your home for the Autumn months, buy a gift for others, or shoot, get a head start on that Holiday shopping!
www.DannyHellerArt.com/prints
Disney Signing Event
Thank you to everyone who came out to the WonderGround Gallery showcase and signing! I was overwhelmed with the turnout and all the kind support from friends and family. It was a dream come true!
In case you missed it, some of the work is still available so stop by the gallery on your next visit to Downtown Disney, call Merchandise Guest Services at 877-560-6477, or email them at Merchandise.Guest.Services@DisneyParks.com.