For Daniella Willett-Rabin, creating art was important long before she ever imagined calling herself an artist.

“I was one of those kids that even though I got a C in art class, I just kept drawing and painting anyway!” she says. Creating in some form felt essential to her well-being, and she often drew during her downtime as an emotional release, something she now recognizes as a natural meditation and reflection practice.

In her late 20s, Daniella went to college intending to become an art therapist, studying both psychology and art. Because the focus was more on the process than the finished product, she found freedom in creating without judgment. Eventually, she realized she simply wanted to take more and more art classes. She followed that passion to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she pursued an illustration degree.

Today, Daniella primarily works in oils, which she loves for their “buttery rich colors and slower drying time.” Her subject matter is wonderfully varied, from nature and cityscapes to musicians and flamenco dancers. Having grown up in a musical family on both sides, music holds a special place in her work.

One of her most memorable projects took her art to an entirely different scale. A quadriptych of trees representing the four seasons was licensed for use along a bike path in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Her painting became four printed tensile membrane panels approximately two stories high.

“It was very exciting to see one of my paintings become so large and integrated into the scenery around it.”

Since moving to Placitas in spring 2020, Daniella has found plenty of inspiration close to home. She loves the fantastic sunsets, rainbows over the hills after a light rain, walking by the wild horses, the nearby Sandia Mountains and hiking trails, and the interesting, kind people she meets throughout the community.

Perhaps the part of being an artist that comes least naturally is the business side.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist is feeling uncomfortable promoting and selling my own artwork,” Daniella says. “Trying to put on my business hat when it doesn’t come naturally can be a struggle, especially when I just want to be at the easel painting!”

It’s a challenge she knows she doesn’t face alone.

Daniella participates in the Placitas Studio Tours and local juried art shows organized by the Rio Grande Art Association. Ultimately, she hopes her work reflects the beauty found in life and brings viewers joy, whimsy and wonder.

“I would like my paintings to make a person feel a skip in their step when passing by!”

And since Daniella would rather be at her easel than promoting herself, we’ll happily help with that part.

Visit daniellawrfineart.com to see available originals and purchase archival-quality limited-edition prints. Follow her painting process on Instagram at @daniellawr_fineart, or find her recently finished work on Facebook at Daniella Willett-Rabin Fine Art. She can also be reached directly at daniella@daniellawrfineart.com.