Check out a fun interview I did with online art/food blog, Palate & Palette! We cover a range of topics including my new exhibit Wonderland, my In-N-Out Burger dream, and the lasting impression of midcentury Disneyland. Thank you to Amy Allen for her hard work on this!
"Wonderland" Artist Talk
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came to my artist talk at the gallery on Saturday! It was wonderful seeing so many smiling faces and getting to answer people’s questions. It was a true pleasure for me talking about my latest series, “Wonderland,” delving into the history of Modern architecture in LA and the technical aspects of putting together paintings on this scale. In case you missed it, the talk was recorded by my marvelous wife, Tracy Beckmann, and is now posted on Vimeo. The exhibit is up through November 12th, so don’t miss it!
George Billis Gallery
2716 S La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
WONDERLAND Exhibit Now Open
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the opening reception of my exhibit WONDERLAND at the George Billis Gallery LA! The support and kind words were overwhelming and are truly appreciated. In case you missed it, the show will be on view through November 12th. And as a special bonus, I’ll be holding an artist talk and walk-through on Saturday November 5th from 2-3pm. Stop by to hear more about my working process and the development of this series. Any/all questions welcome!
Artist Talk & Walk-through: November 5th, 2-3pm
Wonderland
I’m excited to announce my latest solo exhibit debuting at the George Billis Gallery LA on October 15th: Wonderland. This series has been over a year in the making, exploring and studying the precursors to the Midcentury Modern architecture we know and love in Los Angeles. In this body of oil paintings, I trace the development of this early Modernism from Frank Lloyd Wright through his many students and apprentices. Please join me at the opening reception on October 15th from 4-7pm to see these large-scale paintings in person. The exhibit will remain on view through November 12th.
From the Exhibition Statement:
“Wonderland:” the word instantly conjures images of fantastical worlds; spectacular environments of colors, shapes, and lighting; a menagerie of images both inspiring and disorienting. It is a fitting word to describe the boon of development and architectural innovation that took root in Southern California in the 1920s. The father of American Architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright, would go on to flourish in the warm Mediterranean climate of Los Angeles during this time, bringing with him steadfast principles in design, but adapting them to a new environment. He would also bring with him a group of students that would contribute their own design sensibilities to his philosophies of organizing space and the use of materials. One can trace a common thread from Frank Lloyd Wright through his disciples, ever evolving over time, which defined the look of architecture as the region approached the midcentury’s Modernism style. Altogether, their advancements in the field would forever change how we envision the built space.
In this latest series, I want to trace how these seminal projects in early Modernism adapted to unique parameters, often influenced by the cultural backgrounds of their respective architects, and how they brought about a bold new mindset of design. I cover monumental and lesser-known work starting with Frank Lloyd Wright and trace his design principles through his son Lloyd Wright, and students Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and John Lautner. My paintings pay close attention to how many of these projects started as a collection of simple shapes, squares and rectangles, jumbled up and cantilevered over hills, in order to create a dynamic living arrangement specific to each client. One can see the strict lines and rigid architectural forms often set against and within the natural world around them. My goal is to evoke how striking these creations are; how they were groundbreaking for the time, but continue to inspire today. They are an astonishing achievement where creativity meets practicality – a daring venture into the improbable. The fact that so many of these homes developed in the same geographical region lends a dreamlike quality to the area. Fitting, as Los Angeles has long been considered the City of Dreams – but I see it more as a “Wonderland.”
-Danny Heller
George Billis Gallery
2716 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Franz Alexander House, oil on panel, 18x24,” 2022
The Cityscape Show Returns
It’s that time of year again - time for the George Billis Gallery LA’s annual Cityscape Show! This one-of-a-kind group show brings together paintings from the gallery’s wide range of artists, all interpreting the idea of “The Cityscape.” I’ll have a brand new painting included, titled “Franz Alexander House.” This piece captures a sunny afternoon at a famous midcentury home located in Palm Springs - my home city. Please stop by the opening reception on Saturday July 9th from 3-7pm. The show will be up through August 20th if you’d like to return and bring a friend.
George Billis Gallery
2716 La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
American Midcentury Modern Exhibit Extended
Paintings from my American Midcentury Modern exhibit are currently on view at La Fiambrera Gallery in Madrid, including this gouache piece featuring Taliesin West. I'm happy to announce that the show has been extended through the end of the month, so stop by to see the work in person or view the entire exhibit online! A big thank you to all those who have come to the gallery!
20% OFF Tiki Print Sale
Get your home ready for the warm Summer weather with one of my Tiki Modern series prints, now 20% OFF! Choose from familiar locations where you’ve gone to escape with drinks, escape on vacation, or just escape in a daydream. There’s no code necessary to take advantage of this deal, but you do need to place your order by Sunday, May 8th at midnight when this offer expires. Mahalo!
American Midcentury Modern On View
Thank you to everyone who has stopped by my latest show, American Midcentury Modern, now on view at La Fiambrera Gallery, Madrid! It’s always a pleasure sharing my work with the public and hearing the kind feedback. I’m very proud of all the pieces in this series, from oil paintings to gouaches, and even some prints. The show will be up through May 7th, so please stop by if you’re in the area!
La Fiambrera Gallery
Laguna Art Museum's California Cool Auction
The Laguna Art Museum's annual California Cool Art Auction has begun! This wonderful event showcases artwork from some of today's leading artists, with proceeds benefiting the Museum's exhibits and education programs. I've contributed a brand new painting, Laguna Beach Vespa, oil on panel, 16x20," which is a part of the silent auction. Register now - bidding has started online via Artsy.com and ends March 5th, the same night as the in-person Auction Party. For more information and to buy tickets to the Auction Party, please visit www.LagunaArtMuseum.org. To register to bid and see the artwork currently up for auction, please visit www.Artsy.net.
Neutra House 1, oil on panel, 11x14,” 2020
American Midcentury Modern Exhibit in Madrid
I’m thrilled to share with you that my next exhibit is finally opening at Madrid’s La Fiambrera Gallery March 4th! This series has been in the making since before the pandemic began, so I’ve had quite a bit of time to work on it and I couldn’t be prouder of the results. The focus of this show began with Frank Lloyd Wright and his influence on the architects who would proceed him. But the more I studied these iconic buildings and the connections between the architects, I realized that the scope of Modernism was much larger and much more complex. Here is the official statement on this series:
“The story of American midcentury Modern architecture actually starts much earlier than the middle of the twentieth century. The foundations of the momentous stylistic movement were laid in the late twenties and early thirties, as European architects where beginning to form a new visual language, one in which ornament was stripped away and the geometric essence of a building was exposed. These ideas and even the architects themselves, would immigrate to America and join the melting pot of cultures to create a style all their own and push the limits of the medium. Aided by opportunity and advances in technology, this group of visionaries would shatter pre-conceived notions of architecture and spatial thinking, going on to produce some of the most ground breaking architecture ever created.
My latest painting series begins with Modernism’s early influence in America and how it evolved through these different architects. Starting with Frank Lloyd Wright, I show how the fundamentals of his work informed the minimal, streamlined architecture that his students would go on to produce. Associates like Rudolph Schindler, Richard Neutra, and John Lautner would combine European influences, teachings from Wright, and the advent of new materials and techniques to push the medium of architecture to new heights, literally. Forms became more dynamic and daring, focusing more on the interplay between natural settings and the human-made environment. The projects I’ve chosen to paint in this series traces this evolution, from basic post-and-beam construction in wood and blocks to the development of steel structures and sprayed concrete. As the science of building progressed, so too did the imaginations of the architects. In order to truly convey how fantastical these masterpieces are, I’ve rendered them realistically in gouache and oil paint, capturing their nuanced details and their bold overall shapes. I’ve also enhanced the color saturation to communicate the bright optimism these structures signaled to the world, especially in the post-war era.
In painting these examples of iconic midcentury Modern architecture, my hope is to show how their development was not immediate, but rather a complex process. It would be informed by different architects from diverse backgrounds, new discoveries in construction engineering and technology, and by the environment itself which Modernism strived to incorporate more and more. It was a process that today we can study and learn from, and hopefully incorporate into our approach for building tomorrow’s world.”
Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend the opening in person on March 4th, but the gallery and I will be planning a video element or a live streaming talk - stay tuned for details. The show will be on view for the month of March, so please stop by if you can and see the work - 2 years in the making - in person!
La Fiambrera Gallery
Calle del Pez 7
28004 Madrid
Print Signing Event at Palm Springs Modernism Show
It’s that time of year again - when folks from all over come down to sunny Palm Springs to partake in the week-long festival known as Modernism Week. This fun event showcases the area’s iconic midcentury Modern architecture with tours, lectures, parties, and retail. Join me at the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale’s Design Expo, where I’ll be showing original artwork at the George Billis Gallery booth. I’ll also be unveiling a brand new print: Movie Colony Sunset, 17x24,” limited edition of 75. Join me for the print signing event on Saturday, February 19th at 12 noon. I’ll also have some of my previous print releases available. For more information, please visit:
https://palmspringsmodernism.com
Adam Carolla Podcast
A big thank you to Adam Carolla and the team for interviewing my wife Tracy Beckmann and I! It was great chatting with him, Gina Grad, and Bryan Bishop, talking architecture, art, and producer Chris Laxamana's upcoming wedding at The Lautner Compound. After listening for so long, it was such a surreal and rewarding experience to be in the studio with these legends. Bonus getting to meet Mike Dawson and touring Adam's epic car collection! Listen now on all podcast platforms or visit www.AdamCarolla.com.
In-N-Out Burger 2022 Artist
I'm absolutely thrilled to unveil my latest project: the 2022 In-N-Out t-shirt! It is truly an honor to have been chosen as the next artist in the long line of talented artists who have produced dazzling paintings of In-N-Out since the early 80's. Growing up in Southern California, grabbing a delicious double double and shake from this SoCal staple was the ultimate treat. I would always marvel at the artwork on the walls and later the artwork on the shirts, thinking one day how cool it would be to get a shot at painting one. Now you can grab your Danny Heller painted In-N-Out t-shirt (as well as other great merchandise) online through In-N-Out Merchandise or in person at many of the restaurants. Grab one for yourself and as gifts for others! A big thank you to Lynsi Snyder, Sunny Riedl, and everyone else who worked hard on this and made it possible!
20% OFF Holiday Sale + New Print
Seasons Greetings!
As the Holiday season fast approaches, it’s time to start thinking about getting gifts for all those near and dear. Start your shopping early this year and get ahead of the rush, especially as we saw long delays with online orders and deliveries last year. Just in time for the Holidays, I’m happy to unveil my latest, Royal Hawaiian With Pontiac, 17x26,” printed on smooth cotton paper using archival inks, a limited edition of 75. This beautiful print showcases the Hawaiian-inspired Royal Hawaiian Estates located in sunny Palm Springs. Sip a Mai Tai and enjoy some tiki day dreaming as you escape with this tropical/desert scene!
Take 20% OFF now through Sunday November 14th with code THANKS21 at checkout - or use this discount on any other print in my shop!
Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale
This is going to be big!
Please join me this weekend at the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale as the George Billis Gallery will have a booth showcasing my work spanning the last decade. This mini retrospective will feature paintings I've done of Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and New York. For those who haven't been able to attend one of my gallery openings in person, this is your chance to see my work up close and to purchase on site.
Opening Night Party is Friday Oct. 15th, 6-8pm, tickets available here: https://modtix.com/f/fp21/preview-party
Or attend the Modernism Show during regular hours on Oct. 16th and 17th, tickets available here: https://modtix.com/f/fp21/show-sale
A big thank you to the George Billis Gallery, the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale, and Palm Springs Modernism Week for this incredible opportunity and honor!
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Pick up a copy of American Art Collector magazine to see my artwork introducing their "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" feature! Accompanied by an insightful article by John O’Hern, this section covers some of today's leading artists whose work focuses on these icons of the industrial age. A big thank you to the George Billis Gallery for making this happen!
If you like the painting featured, Canyon View Galaxie, stop by the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale this weekend to see it in person...and take it home with you!
Architectural Print Release
As the Summer winds down, let’s take one last dip with my latest print, Architectural Afternoon, 18x29”, printed on smooth cotton paper using archival inks, a limited edition of 75. This beautiful print takes the viewer into one of Palm Springs’ most historic midcentury homes, complete with piano shaped swimming pool. Sourced from my painting of the same name, I’m proud of how this print captures the coloring and crisp detail of the original.
Take 20% OFF now through Sunday September 12th when you purchase this print - no code required. This special introductory pricing ends next week, so get your order in now!
Diving Board, gouache on paper, 9x12,” 2021
The Cityscape Show
Who is ready for the George Billis Gallery's annual Cityscape Show? This amazing group show always brings together a variety of talented artists and their very different take on the "Cityscape," so you don’t want to miss it. I'm happy to show some new paintings, including a couple of new gouaches.
Check out the Cityscape Show in Los Angeles in person through August 28th, masks required.
Morning Light limited edition print, 18x29”
Morning Light Print Release
Start your Summer off right with a brand new print release! I’m happy to unveil my latest, Morning Light, 18x29,” printed on smooth cotton paper using archival inks, a limited edition of 75. This beautiful print showcases the innovative Studebaker Avanti, designed by Raymond Loewy in 1962 in the Modern mecca of Palm Springs. Sourced from my painting of the same name, I’m proud of how this print captures the coloring and crisp detail of the original. With Avantis being so rare and collectible, this might be your only chance to own one!
Take 20% OFF now through Sunday July 18th with code SUMMER20 at checkout - or use this discount on any other print in my shop!
Krisel House With Mailbox, oil on canvas, 24x42,” 2008
Long Beach Museum of Art, Art Auction XIX
I'm pleased to participate in the Long Beach Museum of Art's biennial Art Auction XIX! This world class Museum has always put on stellar exhibits and operated as a cultural and learning center for the local community. I'm proud to have my painting, Krisel House With Mailbox, oil on canvas, 24x42," 2008, included in this event that raises funds for the Museum's programs and outreach to local students. This year's bidding takes place exclusively online through June 27th, so get your bid in now! My painting starts at only $1,900!
https://www.silentauctionpro.com/bidonlinedetail.php...