Artist Focus: Daniel Davis

Artist Daniel Davis paints realistic, representational watercolors of the natural world.

“My interest and educational background is in biology and geology, and I strive to portray an accurate interaction of these two aspects of the environment in my work,” he says. “For much of my professional life, I have taught biology alongside of my painting, which enabled me to live and work in a variety of locations, including Honduras, Guatemala and South Carolina.”

The Seep, transparent watercolor, 31 x 48 in.

His subject matter varies, with images that include rocks, fallen leaves, plants and, recently, birds. “My focus while in the tropics was birds; I have always been inspired by their adaptations and diversity. My current work reflects a change in environment and direction following the tragic loss of my wife. I recently relocated to the Finger Lakes region of New York, where my family has a long history,” he says. “The geology of the region has always intrigued me, particularly the patterns produced by the erosion of shale in the area’s glens, and the corresponding growth of vegetation where water finds its way through the layers and cracks. Looking over my work of the past two years, I see the mood of my work has shifted to quiet, timeless spaces, where the slow pace of geologic change goes about its business while the world hurries along."