Written by Hello, my name is Danielle Mack, a mixed media artist living and working in Augusta, Georgia. Watercolor hasn’t always been my favorite medium, but I’ve grown to love its complexities. My art journey started at a young age and stayed with me off and on until finally, I was able to study Fine Art in college.
It opened a window for me to explore, learn, and grow as an artist. I had a hard time in art school because it was much harder than I imagined. It wasn’t all rainbows and fairies, it was hard work, feeling like I didn’t fit in, and lots of self-discovery. After college, I was burnt out and I didn’t know what was next.
I went on to work in cubical city. I worked a desk job for a few months and after a while, I felt recharged again. I started art journaling in acrylics to get my creative juices flowing. Mixed media helped me let go of all of the rules and expectations I had set up in my head and just explore what made me happy.
The more I played, the more I noticed how faces kept coming up in my work. I had only drawn a few faces in college so I didn’t have a lot of experience. Every chance I got I would illustrate faces. I liked the features and personality of each character.
Once I joined the natural hair movement, my girls started to get afros, head wraps, and dreadlocks which was really exciting. I wanted the faces that looked back at me to reflect women of color.
I started using watercolor regularly about a year ago. The more I painted the looser my brushstrokes became. I think that also came with practice and confidence as well. I like to find my shadows first and work my way around the painting, drying each layer before moving to the next. Often times, I like to include words or journaling in my paintings. If I’m feeling a certain way or have a lot on my mind those thoughts end up on the page.
I use Prima Marketing Pastels & Tropicals Watercolors, Dr Ph. Martin’s India Ink, and Jane Davenport Mermaid Markers. I enjoy using the Canson XL Watercolor paper pads and Masters Touch watercolor brushes. When I’m on the go, I like to use Jane Davenport’s water brushes for convenience.
I hope to get brave enough to start asking people on the street to model for my portraits. Whenever I travel, I see such interesting faces and wish I could paint them. I’ve started with friends and family for practice even if the portrait doesn’t look like them I hope to one day begin to capture the essence of my subjects.
I love to share my process with others on Youtube and via classes on Etsy. I’m currently working on the 100 faces challenge this year on my Instagram page you can watch my progress there.
Danielle Mack
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Etsy
I love the hair. Good job 😀
Thank you so much!
Love the story, love the faces. I visited your YouTube page and will peruse….
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed!
Danielle, your expressive portraits of women are stunning and gorgeous. I like the way you play with color or often experiment with values. You wrote of something I think bothers many people – the burn out at the end of college. It’s hard to find your place and your passion when all your life has been so directed. Best wishes on discovering all your passions.
Thank you Sharon, I feel blessed to get an art education but it was tough. Thank you for your well wishes!
I love your work. You provided me with inspiration. Thank you!
I’m so glad you feel inspired Damita!
Beautiful work! You do such a great job with hair and expressions!!
Thank you Carol!
I have been following you for awhile, I love your work. Great to see you here.
Thank you so much for your support!
I love your work. I love how each woman has different hair…her own look. Beautiful.
Thank you – painting the hair is the best part!
Love, love, love your faces. I am trying to expand the faces I create and you are truly inspiring.
Thank you Ellie!
The eyes of all the girls are different. It looks like all of them have different stories to say. Beautiful!!
Thank you Anjana, they really keep me going!
These are stunning and a pleasure to view. I love the diversity as well.
Your faces have so much wonderful personality.
Thanks for the inspiration! I love faces too! Yours are awesome.
These are lovely portraits!
Lovely faces. Perfect anatomy.