05.2026 - April Studio Update
New work exploring connection, tension, and change
I am so grateful for April and I feel an internal shift. I slowed down and made some smaller works, I also worked on a painting on a larger scale than I have explored in a while. April felt packed as I was also finishing up course work to graduate with my computer science degree.
Studio Practice & New Work
Current Works
These works continue my exploration of the tension between holding on and letting go. The paintings of Jesus reflect a sense of constant, unwavering presence while Julia and Swan explores a more fragile connection, where the two forms leaning into each other, suspended between support and collapse.
His Love
I started painting images of Jesus because I was really inspired by my mentor Reni Stephan. He was working on a beautiful painting of Jesus in his studio around easter time. He explained that when painting Jesus it helps him feel closer to his faith and it is just very therapeutic and restorative for him. This month I was under a lot of stress with moving, finals and wrapping up my degree. I wanted to paint something small that I could make quick and give away to friends and family.
Divine
Julia and Swan
This is a painting about emotional dependence and softness. This painting is a feeling of melting into one another and not resisting it. The Swan and “Julia” lean on each other for support yet the moody color palette suggests an underlying tension that complicates that closeness.
Unraveling Light
This month, I began exploring movement and repetition as a way to push toward abstraction. I’m drawn to abstraction for its ability to build emotional worlds through shape alone. Fabric is a common texture in my work and I wanted to explore it as a standalone piece. This piece opened up new directions for me, and I’m interested in continuing to use fabric as a central motif in my work.
Finished Commission
Squid
Alongside my studio work, I’ve been taking on a limited number of commissions, allowing me to create more personal, one-of-a-kind pieces while continuing to develop my larger body of work.
In Progress
Unnamed so far (two hands)
This piece builds on Place Just for Us, carrying forward a similar emotional tone while shifting toward a feeling of exhaustion and release.
A reference image of two hands wringing water from cloth became the starting point for exploring tension, pressure, and letting go.
Exhibitions & Milestones
New Wave — Juried College Regional Exhibition juried by Robin Dluzen April 11th, 2 to 4pm
Sold Out Workshop
My May 8 watercolor workshop at The Paint House Art & Sip is officially sold out.
I’ve been grateful to see both my exhibition opportunities and teaching practice expand this month.
Upcoming
I’m currently developing the concept for a new Paint & Sip workshop for June 10th, with more details to come soon.
Community & Inspiration
Vantage photoshoot
My work was recently included in the second publication of VANTAGE, following a collaborative photoshoot.
The magazine will be released May 16 at Detroit Zine Fest, with a showcase on June 27.
Pre-orders: https://forms.gle/5jPGbbQcbNtE2ujSA
VANTAGE is a Detroit-based magazine dedicated to supporting artists, writers, and photographers by creating space for their work and fostering connection within the local creative community.
The magazine’s substack can be found here: VANTAGE MAGAZINE
Collecting and Contact
If you’re interested in collecting available works or previewing pieces currently in progress, you can reach me directly at daniellepaganoart@gmail.com
Thank you for following my work and being part of this moment in my practice.
Continuing to expand,
Danielle
You're doing wonderful work! I love all of it!
Sometime, I would like to hear about your faith journey. Mine has been a long one, and I am now an Anglican Christian, as is my wife and our (adult) children.
Mustard is grateful you share the evolution of your pieces. This condiment is absolutely stunned by your work.