Stories behind art are fascinating. Artists use their brushes, paint, canvases and tools to create stories like writers use a pen and paper. Here artists reveal the inspiration behind their masterpieces. It’s a rare opportunity to not guess but hear how the work was born first hand.  

One Artist. One Story

Originally from the Cincinnati, Ohio area, Diane migrated to Tampa Bay almost 30 years ago. After raising her daughters and her 60th birthday, she started her second act of painting with acrylics on canvas. Diane is enjoying the process as much as the conceptualization.

A percentage of artist’s “TURTLE TRACKS ART”© series paintings will benefit sea turtle rescue and preservation organizations. 

Solivagant by Diane V Radel. 48″ x 60″, Acrylic on Canvas

“In 2017, I had an epiphany while witnessing a mama sea turtle return to her birthplace to nest. So began my connection with these creatures and their incredible, primordial journey. It’s a story I’ve expressed through a series of acrylic abstracts titled “Turtle Tracks Art.” By coaxing layer upon layer of paint and textures to depict the synergy of patterns of each specific sea turtle track, I am able to record the interplay inherent in nature and capture the emotion in human interactions before they vanish.

Viewing art strikes a chord with many people, becoming a shared experience and connecting the viewer to the moment and with something bigger than themselves. We know that visual messages have far greater impact than words alone. New messages will emerge for visual understanding, depth and truth. The artist, as messenger, has a unique responsibility to invite interpretation, empowerment, respect —and action. I believe my vibrant artwork has great potential in a time of 24-hour images and 30-second reactions. My goal is to document the fragility of life, along with birth and renewal, and provide a reminder of the universal thread that connects every living thing.

The name of my painting is “Solivagant”- which means to ramble alone, and the photo of the actual sea turtle tracks found on Melbourne Beach on 8/8/17 at 7:14:24AM that inspired it.”

Follow Diane V Radel on Social Media: Instagram @dianevradel.art Website www.dianevradelart.com