By Dana Feagin
Description - oil painting of two sweet young pigs, Pickles & Gumball, each on their own canvas and framed
Medium - oil on canvas
Dimensions - 5" x 7" canvas in a 6.5" x 8.5" frame
About the Artist
Instagram - @danafeagin
Website - www.danafeagin.com
Inspiration - My journey as an artist is steeped in my love for animals. As a child, they were the main subject of every drawing. Although art school was a consideration, I was encouraged to pursue a degree in science, ultimately earning a degree in microbiology. After a few years in the laboratory, I moved into clinical trial management. However, art was always calling & I enrolled in night art classes at UCSD. Due to work travel, I fell two art history classes short of completing my Art & The Creative Process Professional Certificate, but at least I had some art training under my belt.
In 2006, I walked away from my corporate job, downsized, and moved to Southern Oregon, giving me the flexibility to pursue art, as well as various volunteer activities. I started taking oil painting classes and teaching children’s art classes. I volunteered at our local shelter, walking dogs and later helping run their bunny adoption program. I also volunteered at a local animal sanctuary, conducting farm tours, photographing their animals for social media, and eventually joining their board.
Surprisingly, it took a few years, and almost quitting as a painter, to understand that I was only motivated to paint when the subject was an animal! I love reflecting their personalities and am especially inspired by the backstories of shelter & sanctuary animals. I now use my art to help raise money for animal charities and rescue groups and am a member of HeARTsSpeak, an international group of artists whose mission is to give animals a unified voice. Proceeds from all of my art sales are donated to animal charity groups.
Currently, I live in Carlsbad, CA with my husband, our adopted animal family of four bunnies and a highly energetic Border Collie.