My name is Diane Kraus, and I'm an artist.
I like to think of the creation of art as a craft or tradeskill. As such my approach is a combination of techniques and fundamentals I've learned combined with my personal perspective and desire to create. I strive for my artwork – whether traditional or digital –
to be as natural and approachable as the beautiful area of Pennsylvania where I live and work.My education includes:
- Self-guided drawing instruction through the lessons and techniques presented by Nicolaides, Juliette Aristides, and Betty Edwards.
- Self-taught proficiency in oil painting, airbrushing, and digital painting using Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter.
- A number of graphic design, typography, color theory and drawing courses completed with The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Online Division.
- Current enrollment in the BFA Illustration program at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.
My inspiration is drawn from:
- The Old Masters, especially Rembrandt, Vermeer, Dürer, and the Renaissance painters.
- The Academic Classicists, such as Bouguereau and Lord Fredrick Leighton.
- The illustrations of Norman Rockwell.
- Contemporary fantasy illustration.
Many of my favorite works of art can be found online at The Art Renewal Center.
While painting aviation art from 2000-2004, I was honored that my art was recognized by collectors and organizations worldwide including:
- The Hurricane Society
- Collect-Aire Models
- The Fort Smith Air Museum, Fort Smith, Arkansas
- USAF 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, the “Soesterberg Wolfhounds”
- The Southeast Regional Civil Air Patrol
My second painting for the Southeast Regional Civil Air Patrol, “We Were There”, commemorated their response to the national tragedy on September 11th, 2001. Presented at their 2004 convention, the painting was later hung in their offices at the Pentagon.
Currently, I am freelancing as a versatile, independent artist creating both original drawings and paintings as well as commissioned materials for collectors, personal art, small and large fantasy or gaming enterprises, and everyday illustrative needs for descriptive advertising or marketing. If you have ideas for artwork you would love to see created, a photo you would like turned into a painting, or any other creative needs, please feel free to contact me. The Commission Information page contains basic pricing information in regards to purchasing custom artwork.
Thank you for visiting my website. If you would like to support my artwork (and request future subjects and developments!) please feel free to use the donate button below. I appreciate every note of support.
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Contact Diane at dekraus@gmail.com
Links:
If you would like to exchange links with me, please Email Me.
The Internet Art Database - Find art from thousands of web sites.
Picture Salon - Fine Art Giclee Printing Services for Artists and Photographers.
