Dana Kern
“Dana’s art is definitely one of a kind! Gorgeous colors and unique canvases make her art stand out above the rest. She will even do commission pieces. I will definitely be purchasing more from her for my new home!”
A.K. | Bend, OR
Art can define a space. Without color, texture and design, a room is just that—a room with blank walls. No one quite understands the transformative power of art quite like Dana Kern. With a 25-year background in interior design Dana has always loved the use of color and texture.
Dana designed and built Colorado homes from the conceptual drawing stage to completion and discovered she had a true talent for reinvigorating spaces. She worked with clients to redesign their homes, offices and retail spaces including many medical clinic interiors. “The goal was to always create an environment of peace and safety and calm for the patients,” Dana reflects, “I knew I could put people at ease and create feelings of joy through color.”
Creative Framing and Gallery | Louisville, CO
Dana’s design sensibility influenced the direction of her work. “When designing homes it was always frustrating to find the perfect size of art to complete the look of the space” Dana recalls, “the open floor plans and high ceilings of many homes I worked with, the availability of large scale art was limited. When I started to experiment with acrylics, I wanted to create pieces to complement these vast spaces. The more I played with large canvases, the more I liked working in that size of format. It has allowed me to create without size constraints.”
Her large-scale paintings depict hints of land and seascapes in abstract form. Her portraits and floral paintings represent her unique perspective. Dana’s work is decidedly three dimensional and demands a live experience—it is not possible to perceive her paintings' rich textures and bold colors unless you see them in person. Each piece makes a statement.
Color is of key importance in Dana’s work and life and she constantly recognizes its crucial interplay. “I feel I see color differently than most. I create variations of colors without the constraints of what should work and instead just let the colors tell their own stories. The color and motion of the sea, the bright Colorado sky can be represented in dynamic ways.”
Dana’s design sensibility has been an asset to her client relationships as an artist. “I have incorporated my design and artistic skills to create beautiful spaces for my collectors.” She often hangs pieces for clients and has produced many commissioned pieces.
Dana has recently moved her studio to central Oregon. She has made artistic contributions to many organizations in the region. Her work has been donated to the Healing Warriors Program in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, which helps veterans with PTSD through natural healing methods. In addition, she has worked with Colorado State University, the Humane Society and the Christian Alliance in their fundraising efforts. Her artwork can be found across Colorado, California, and Oregon.
When not in her studio, Dana can be found enjoying the beauty that Oregon has to offer and enjoying time with family and friends. She is constantly learning new techniques and exploring new surroundings for inspiration.
Dana truly wants to evoke emotion and spirit through her use of color. Her paintings convey a design sensibility but more importantly reflect her vibrant soul.
"I was attracted to Dana's painting "Oceana" because it took me to a time in my life when things were the hardest and how I now have been able to over come it! I love the colors and textures, they seem to move! I love when the light shines on her just right and she seems to glow with strength and it makes me smile!"
- Kellie D. | Wheatland, WY