ArtistADay Feature

2012 has been quite a good year for my artwork.  With only a few days left in the year, I have been fortunate enough to receive one more write-up, this time from the website ArtistADay.com. Check it out here:  http://artistaday.com/?p=16820

Heavy Weather, oil on canvas, 32x48", 2012

Dwell Magazine Feature

This Week from Dwell just did a great write-up on my artwork and included the short documentary KCET did on me.  Click the link to read the full thing and if you haven't already, watch the 11 min doc spotlighting my paintings and how they relate to the Palm Springs area.  A big thank you to the kind folks at Dwell and KCET!

Red Dot Art Fair, Miami

It's that time of the year again for the big art fairs in Miami - Basel, Pulse, Scope, etc.  This year you can see my work at the Red Dot Art Fair with the George Billis Gallery, Booth# B102 from December 4-9th.  For more info:  http://www.reddotfair.com/Miami/visitorinfo.htm

"Future Perfect" Exhibit Write-Up

I was lucky enough to have art blog Platinum Cheese do a write-up on my "Future Perfect" solo show that just opened up at the George Billis Gallery, LA.  Read the article here and in case you missed the opening, the exhibit is up through January 5th.

KCET Documentary Now Up!

I'm excited to share with you a short documentary KCET just finished on my artwork.  There's some great interviews and inside footage of the studio, as well as a good look at what inspires my artwork.  In fact, famous mid-century modern architect Bill Krisel calls it a "special treat."  Check it out now!

Future Perfect Show Preview

The online preview for my upcoming solo show, Future Perfect, is now up!  Check it out and if you're in the area, stop by the opening November 17th, 5-8pm at the George Billis Gallery, L.A.

Preview

Coming Down, oil on canvas, 36x48", 2012

Desert Sun Article

Last Saturday, Novemeber 3rd, The Desert Sun - the Coachella Valley's premier newspaper - featured a great article on my artwork.  They covered my connection to Palm Springs and the background behind my mid-century themed work.  Read the full article here: The Desert Sun

Kaufmann House, oil on canvas, 28x72", 2010

Chugging Along...

The studio smells like turpentine, the varnish is still fresh, and the paintings are being delivered to the framers.  My solo show Future Perfect is almost here - please come to the opening Nov 17th from 5-8pm at the George Billis Gallery, L.A.  See you there!

KCET Documentary Filming

Last week, filming began on the KCET Artbound documentary on my artwork.  It was exciting to have the film crew poking around the studio and interviewing me.  After some additional shots and interviews focusing on the locations in my paintings, they'll mash it all up and show it on TV and online.  I'll keep you posted with more as the doc progresses!

Future Perfect Solo Show

The Dinner Table, oil on canvas, 44x34", 2012

I'm pleased to announce my next solo show opening at the George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles, on November 17th from 5-8pm.  Titled Future Perfect, this show investigates the optimism of Mid-century architecture under the weight of the housing crises.  Shunning pure observation and delving more into a psychoanalytical realm, this body of work will be my most personal to date.

Artist Statement:
"Better living through design.  That was the Modern architect’s creed as WWII came to a close and a whole generation of returning GI’s would come home to claim the American Dream – a home, a car in the driveway, and a hot meal on the table.  With this surge of home buyers and large swaths of land that would soon become the suburbs, architects were faced with creating a new design vocabulary for living.  As a reaction to the atrocities in war-torn Europe, all the hopes of a better world would be embodied in the architecture of recent immigrant architects, as well as home-grown talent.  They crafted not just homes, but communities that focused on family as well as a deep connection to the outdoors and the beauty of the natural environment.  With recent developments in technology and aerospace design, architecture was looking forward with an optimism that has been unmatched in our history.  My new body of work, Future Perfect, looks at this period of groundbreaking design and asks, what has become of our expectations?  Did the near utopian future we hoped for ever come to fruition?  Certainly the threat of nuclear war has diminished, but we still live under a cloud of international fear.  There is widespread unrest and our common outlook on the future provides very little comfort.  As the symbol of the once idyllic future we hoped for, I center this discussion on midcentury Modern housing.  It’s fitting then, that the thing that was supposed to exemplify the better life we strived for has come crashing down with the housing market collapse.  What happened to the perfect future we thought was just beyond the horizon?"

Future Perfect
Opening: November 17th, 5-8pm

George Billis Gallery
2716 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Eames House Print Release

I'm pleased to announce the release of my new giclee print Eames House.  Hand-signed and dated, this 17x23" print comes on archival quality watercolor paper and is sure to be a pleaser.  Visit my online print shop now to order!

Print Shop

Eames House

KCET Documentary On My Artwork

I'm pleased to announce that the votes are in and I've won!  My artwork was recently the topic of an article on KCET's Artbound blog - covering arts and artists in the SoCal area.  Every week they put to vote which article of the week should be turned into a short format documentary.  With all your votes and support, my artwork has been chosen and will be compiled with others to make a TV episode.  Stay tuned for more info and thank you all again!

To read the article, click here.

PS Modernism Week Blog

Check out this great write up the Palm Springs Modernism Blog did on my artwork and KCET article!  A big thank you to the kind folks over there who have taken an interest in my artwork.  And be sure to check out all the great offerings for the 2013 Modernism Week, Feb 14-24th.  Tickets available now!

photo by Tim Navis

Prints Available

I'm now offering an exclusive selection of high quality giclee prints on my website!  These pieces are printed on heavy photo rag paper with archival inks and are then hand signed and dated.  Check out the full selection now: http://dannyhellerart.com/Prints.html

LAX Theme Building - Ground Level

New Work

New Work
Opening: November 17th, 5-8pm
George Billis Gallery, Los Angeles

On The Edge, oil on canvas, 44x34", 2012, $5,000

Man About Town

So a couple years ago, I had the pleasure of doing some artwork for the LA Metro Department advertising the latest stop on the Orange Line: Chatsworth.  Recently, I've been getting some great pictures sent to me from people who have spotted my poster on the various subway lines.  You have to imagine the smile I get when I see my work in public like that, so if you also see my work on a bus or subway line, be sure you snap a picture with your phone and send it over via text, facebook, or twitter.  Thanks and enjoy these pics:

Seen on the Metro Expo Line

Seen on the Metro Red Line

Seen on the Metro Expo Line

Eichler Documentary Featuing My Artwork

Just watched the trailer for People In Glass Houses - The Legacy of Joseph Eichler and noticed some of my artwork pop up.  A little while back, I did a cover for CA Modern Magazine - a great publication that focuses on Eichlers and mid-century architecture/culture in California.  About 2:47 into the trailer, you see the magazine cover - check it out now:

http://youtu.be/jZzoN7EKqxU

Evolution of a Painting

I thought I'd post some progress shots of a commission I just wrapped up.  I always enjoy seeing an artist's working process, and hopefully you will too.  The house featured is actually one of architect John Lautner's first, so it was a real pleasure getting to spend time on this one.

Lautner Backyard, oil on canvas, 18x30", 2012

Slide Presentation

A big THANK YOU to Jon Swihart and everyone who made it out to my slide presentation at his house last weekend.  It was such a great experience chatting with all the arts folks and being able to share my work with them.  I also enjoyed telling the background stories of each painting and reminiscing about some of the older work.  Thanks!

Long Beach Museum of Art Exhibit

If you haven't already been, come down to the Long Beach Museum of Art to see my painting Cul-de-sac House At Sunset in their current exhibition.  This show comes down August 12th, so catch it while you can.  And while you're there, be sure to see the other stellar exhibit up now, Buena Vista: California Painters In Mexico.  This show is definitely a treat!  For more info: http://lbma.org/

Artstormer Write-up

Just wanted to share a write-up I received on Artstormer.com.  You get a good slice of my work, new and old.  Check it out: http://artstormer.com/category/realism/page/8/

Cityscape Show

As the Summer continues, I'll be participating in the George Billis Gallery's annual Cityscape Show.  This year, I decided to do something a little different.  Recently, I stopped by the L.A. County Museum of Art to see Chris Burden's installation sculpture Metropolis II.  This piece is such an amazing thing to see in person do to its sheer size, as well as the crowd that it draws and total visual/audio impact.  I thought how fascinating it would be to portray this work of art as a cityscape painting, as I would approach a painting of an actual city: dramatic perspective, soaring buildings, racing cars, and a certain underlying grittiness.  If Burden's sculpture is a model of an idealized city, then my painting takes it a step further in a way that oil painting has traditionally idealized a metropolis.

The Cityscape Show opens July 14th, 5-8pm at the George Billis Gallery Los Angeles.

George Billis Gallery
2716 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
www.georgebillis.com/galleryLA.html

Metropolis III, oil on canvas, 27x38", 2012, $4,000

Nashville. 7.7.12

Nashville - home of Jack White, the Grand Ole Opry, and now Danny Heller's art.  I'm pleased to announce that I'll be participating in the Realism Group Show at the Tinney Contemporary in Nashville, TN this summer.  This great gallery showcases a wide variety of artwork and is considered one of the best in the region.  If you're in the area, stop by and see some brand new work I've done special for the show.  The opening takes place on July 7th and runs throughout the month. 

GMC Truck, oil on canvas, 36x27", 2012, $4,000

Artists Against Drugs Art Show

Like art?  Don't like drugs?  Come out this Saturday from 7-10pm at Satine for the Artists Against Drugs Fundraiser!  DJs, drinks, and food catered by Joan's.  Bid on artwork and raise money for The Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and more organizations steering kids in the right direction.  More info here: http://www.artistsagainstdrugs.com/

Skateboard With Blue VW Beetle, acrylic on board, 7.5x31", 2012, $600

The Evolution of a Painting

I've been working on this Studebaker commission for a little while, and I thought I'd post some pics showing how the painting has evolved.  The Studebaker is actually just a part of the bigger painting, so these are just cropped pics of the car.  Enjoy!

Venice Art Walk & Auction

The all NEW Venice Art Walk & Auction is coming up May 19th and 20th!  With architecture tours on both days, and studio tours and the auction itself on Sunday May 20th, this promises to be one of the premier art events on the West Coast.  This will be my fifth time participating in the silent auction which this year will be held at the Google headquarters in Santa Monica and is free to the public.  Bid on artwork from some of So Cal's biggest artists, as well as enjoy food, entertainment, and music, all to benefit the Venice Family clinic - providing free healthcare to the local community.  For more info, please visit their website: http://theveniceartwalk.org/index.html.  See you there!

Eichler House At Sunset, 10x21", oil on canvas, 2009, opening bid $800

Play Me, I'm Yours piano in action!

This month, I participated in a large art project called Play Me, I'm Yours put on by the L.A. Chamber Orchestra.  I was given one of 30 pianos to custom paint and mine included various historic scenes of Downtown Los Angeles.  These pianos were then distributed throughout LA and set up in public spaces for everyone to play and enjoy.  Mine was set up at the LA City Hall building where on April 12th, pianist Jeremy Weinglass participated in the kick off.  Here he is playing Coldplay's "Clocks."

Venice Surf & Skate Auction!

This is the first year I'll be participating in the annual Venice Surf & Skate Auction, taking place this Friday, April 27th, 6-10pm.  Join me at the Track 16 Gallery, Bergamot Station, and see over 50 custom painted skate and surf boards by artists, musicians, and athletes.  Indulge in beverages and appetizers, and most importantly, bid on one of these cool boards - 100% of sales benefit the Venice Family Clinic.  For more info, click here.

VW Beetle Board

(detail)

New Print Release!

So just about every quarter I'm going to try to release a new giclee print.  This quarter I'm please to offer Eichler Hallway, available now on my print site.  This piece shows the classic interior of an Eichler house, with a view of a George Nelson clock and Architectural Pottery, all from the vantage point of a globe pendant light.  All giclee prints come on archival quality photo rag paper, and are hand signed and dated.  Check out the rest of the print selection while you're on my site and check back often for new releases.  Thanks!

Eichler Hallway giclee print, 17x23", $150

New Paintings

Fresh off the easel!  This month, I have two new paintings available: a classic Bel Air and Continental.  These guys continue the series I'm doing of automobiles removed from their environment and situated on wood panels, letting the natural grain show through.  They are done in acrylic on 6x8" panels and are priced at $400 each.

Bel Air, acrylic on panel, 6x8", 2012, $400

Continental, acrylic on panel, 6x8", 2012, $400

Play Me, I'm Yours

Please join me this Thursday, April 12th, at 12 noon for the L.A. Chamber Orchestra's Play Me, I'm Yours project kick-off!  Come see renown pianists simultaneously play Bach's Preludes on 30 pianos installed throughout the city, from Downtown L.A. to Santa Monica.  Afterward, these pianos will be available for any member of the public to play and enjoy.  But these aren't just any pianos - a select group of artists have been chosen to adopt a piano and customize it to reflect their tastes, as well as the character of their community.  I'm in good company with artists such as Kent Twitchell and Frank Romero, in addition to organizations like the Braille Institute and the Crossroads School.  My piece reflects the rich history of Downtown L.A. through vintage landmarks and will fittingly be located at L.A. City Hall.  Come join me at this location, or find the piano closest to you on their website:http://streetpianos.com/la2012/

This public installation piece was originally conceived by British artist Luke Jerram and has toured in cities across the globe, from Sydney to New York, with the latest stop being Los Angeles.  The kick-off coincides with the L.A. Chamber Orchestra's celebration of music director Jeffrey Kahane's 15th Anniversary with the organization.

My Painting at the Long Beach Museum of Art

I'm proud to announce that you can view my painting Cul-de-sac House At Sunset at the Long Beach Museum of Art from March 8th through August 12th.  Recently acquired by the Museum, my piece is part of the exhibit Highlights 1945-1980: Selections From The Permanent Collection.  And while you're there, be sure to see the new sculpture exhibit Gerit Grimm: Beyond The Figurine, Contemporary Inspirations From The Museum's Collection.

Pacific Standard Time

With all the exhibits in the momentous Pacific Standard Time project going on throughout Southern California museums, it only seemed fitting that my work would have some sort of tie in.  It certainly fits the time period that most of the shows are focused on, as well as the region (So Cal), and the mid-century design and architecture that my work captures even happens to be the subject of LACMA's California Design exhibit.  So this month, my work has been featured on the PST blog, as well as Los Angeles I'm Yours website which highlights artists who have a So Cal connection to the PST events.  Read all about my process, my inspiration, what the PST events mean to me, and even some hints at work to come.
http://www.laimyours.com/12188/pacific-standard-time-featured-fan-artist-profile-danny-heller/

Mad Men is back!

Mad Men returns tonight for it's 5th season, and I don't don't know about you, but I'm getting the shakes from all my excitement.  In honor of this loveletter to the 60's, I'm celebrating the return of the show by featuring some of my older paintings whose style closely relates.  Enjoy!

Eichler House With Automobiles, oil on canvas, 19x38", 2008, $3,000

Chair In Sunlight, oil on canvas, 16x21", 2010 $2,400

Egg Chair At Night, oil on canvas, 29x22", 2010, $3,200

Eichler Entryway With Palm, oil on canvas, 32x21", 2008, $2,800

Coachella Collaboration Part 3

For the last installment of my recycle bin progress photos, I wanted to unveil the finished product.  This piece references classic racing VW Beetles from back in the day, as well as a certain movie where one was prominently featured.  Come out and see the final piece, along with the other custom recycle bins, for one night only, April 7th 7-11pm, at LAB ART (217 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA).  This will be your only chance to see these works of art before they head down to the 2012 Coachella Festival.  A big thank you to the Global Inheritance group for creating this project and including me!

Racing stripes...

...white wall tires, VW on the side...

...racing number...

...added surprise when you open the bin...

...VW close-up...

...surprise close-up.

TRASHed Exhibit: April 7, 7-11pm, LAB ART, Los Angeles

   

Coachella Collaboration Part 2

Continuing with my progress photos for the collaboration I'm doing with Global Inheritance for the Coachella Festival, these ones show how I masked off part of the recycle bin to add the sleek racing stripes.  You can also see how the VW Beetles (located on each side of the bin) developed from sketches to final paintings.  Check it out:

Masked off the racing stripes...

...had to hand correct the red, white, and blue where the masking didn't take...

...sleek, clean lines...

...outlining the racing number...

...sketching in the VW Beetle...

...filling in the sketch with paint...

...carefully adding layers...

...until you get the final product!