Kathy Dana

Bio

Kathy Dana is an accomplished California painter. She’s been featured in Southwest Art, International Artist and Artists magazines. With solo exhibitions every two years since 2014, Kathy is devoted to capturing the positive energy in all things: bringing it forward with the intention to soothe, transport, refresh, even empower. 

She has recently embarked on works that capture the extraordinary energy emanating from time-worn, exposed surfaces: how time and life-experience transform the blank slate of newness into spectacular individuality and character.  The richness of her forward-facing colors is heavily influenced by the color foundation she builds underneath. She believes our lives unfold in much the same way.

Resume

 Personal

  • California Native

  • Educated in San Diego, California

  • Married

  • Adult daughters in New York and California

Motivation

  • To expand her skills and visibility as an exhibiting artist, a supporter of exceptional causes and contributing member of the art community

Prominent Collectors

  • Moni and Gregory Kondos

  • Robert Jean-Ray

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • UC Davis Medical Center

Education/ Workshops

  • Plein Air Workshop – Brian Blood, Instructor, Carmel CA

  • Portrait Painting – sponsored by Patris Studio, Sacramento CA: Craig Nelson, Instructor

  • Plein Air Workshop – sponsored by Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento CA: Marie-Terese Brown, Instructor

  • Tahoe Film and video workshop – Academy award-winning film director, Robert Wise, Instructor

  • Professional career as an Art Director, Los Angeles CA – commissioning and directing high-end commercial artists

  • BS Degree – Graphic Communications, San Diego State University

  • Oil Painting – five years before college

Exhibition History

Awards and Honors

  • Acrylic Works 13, The Best of Acrylic International Competition – Artists Magazine, 2026 – Finalist. Juror: Marc R. Hanson

  • Triton Museum of Art – Salon at the Triton 2025 Exhibition – Honorable Mention – Juror: Pancho Jiménez

  • Acrylic Works 12, The Best of Acrylic International Competition – Artists Magazine, 2025 – Finalist. Juror: Mary C. Carroll

  • Juror Award – PBS KVIE Juried Auction 2020 – Sacramento CA

  • Artsy Shark Featured Artist and Artist’s Showcase – 2020 and 2021

  • Artistic Excellence Award – Artist’s Magazine, 2018 – Honorable mention, experimental category

  • Curator Award – PBS KVIE Juried Auction 2018 – Sacramento CA

Publications

  • Artists Magazine – September 2025 Best of Acrylic issue

  • Southwest Art Magazine – January 2019 Issue

  • International Artist Magazine – Demonstration Article, January 2016

  • Inside Publications Cover Art – June 2025, September 2024, June 2023, September 2021, August 2020, December 2018, April 2017, May 2016, October 2015, October 2014

Memberships

  • American Women Artists

  • Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento CA

  • Blueline Arts, Roseville CA