Daniel Padilla


ABOUT ARTIST

Daniel Padilla’s extraordinary paintings capture the essence of life through his unique treatment of light and dramatic use of color. He is intrigued by both abstract and representational elements that he incorporates in his designs. His elegant compositions usually represent physical or imaginative places, often from dreams. He delights in creating works that capture emotional energy and spiritual light. Inspired by his love of music, Daniel uses long, expressive brushstrokes to create his passionate works of art.

Raised in Santa Rosa, Texas, Daniel Padilla began creating art at a very young age. Encouraged and supported by his artistic family, he excelled early on. He won his first award at only 12 years old.  He received numerous awards for his talent throughout college, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas- Pan American in 1994.

Padilla began his artistic career as a high school art teacher in Houston, Texas. He moved on and took a 1 year contract with Carnival Cruise ship out of Miami as an art auctioneer traveling to many amazing destinations.  In 1998 he finally decided to take the plunge and opened his own art gallery in Houston, Texas, DNM Art Group. The gallery was moved to Dallas in 2008 and was renamed Padilla Gallery.  In 2016 Padilla decided to take a break from having a store front to pursue other opportunities and work with other showrooms in the Dallas Design District.  That plan had worked out splendidly giving him more freedom to paint in his studio and travel but Daniel Padilla's deeply rooted desire to be in the forefront of business has brought him back into the limelight re-opening his newest storefront in the Dallas Medical District. 

Padilla has exploded onto the art scene from the very start of his professional career. He has become a major player in the field of art with major shows including the International ArtExpo in New York in 2001, the International ArtExpo in San Francisco in 2002 and the Highpoint Furniture Market in North Carolina in 2014. He was invited by the Edna Hibel group to participate in a national tour where he presented his art alongside world renowned artists Edna Hibel and Pierre Matisse, grandson of Henri Matisse, where his work was received with great enthusiasm. He has received many awards including "Best Local Artist" 2012 and 2015 by the Dallas Voice.  

Padilla’s work is advertised in major art magazines including Southwest Art and Les Avenues. Private and corporate collectors worldwide seek his work. He actively participates in several national fundraisers, donating his time as well as his talent to support the arts and other community organizations including the Sunshine Kids and the American Red Cross. Padilla also donates artwork to help raise funds for the Academy of Fine Arts Foundation, an organization that is supported by Hollywood celebrities such as Jane Seymour, Loni Anderson, and Barbara Eden, among others. The Foundation offers grants and scholarships to student and professional artists. In addition he also supports Levi-Strauss & Co. in raising funds to benefit the San Francisco Youth Arts Foundation and many other local organizations such as DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and the Human Rights Campaign.