This week’s featured artist: David Diaz, President of MFA Board of Directors, member since 2004:
David is the 2014 Annie Awards Recipient for Visual Arts, awarded by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. Congratulations, David!
ME: I am a plein air artist living in Annapolis, MD. I received formal training in the public schools of Western Maryland, Frostburg State University, University of Maryland, Towson and Catholic University. I taught art in Allegany and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland, working with students from elementary through middle school, as well as adult education and private lessons. In addition to my current role on the Board, I chair the Exhibition Committee, and work on installations at Quiet Waters Park art galleries. I am a former Chairman of the Board of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters. I have won awards for my art, and my work is in collections in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
MY ART: I paint mainly with oils, but I also like the feel and texture of pastels. My focus is generally on regional subjects. When I started painting full-time, I felt the need to be out, feeling the air and seeing the light on the shapes and contours of the landscape around me because it would sharpen my ability to paint in a studio. I still feel that way. I soon realized that for me, being outside was an end unto itself. Experiencing the day, the movement of things around me, and the changing light gives painting an immediacy — a feeling that there is only one moment like this; the thing that drew me to the spot and made me want to paint it. I try to interpret what I see to give it a permanence. Visit my website: www.artworksbyDavidDiaz.com
MFA & ME: I knew Circle Gallery was a nice gallery in town, but I didn’t know the breadth and depth of MFA until I left teaching art and started producing art full time. Initially, I wanted a place to show work. After joining, I met like-minded folks who were open to sharing ideas, friendship, and information. My new MFA friends encouraged me to enter shows and encouraged me even more when I wasn’t accepted.
I think artists starting out are a lot like me. They join for one thing and find they like the look and feel of belonging to an organization that supports the ideals of artists working together helping each other grow and change. It is exciting to be part of a group that is known internationally, and I am still just as excited when I get into a show. MFA has helped move me along on my professional path, and I am grateful for the support.
We have a large family of artists who look after you, respect your work, and let you find your place in the group if you want to do more. Being President of the Board helps me guide the expanding support of artists such as yourself… to help you further your art career and path in whatever direction you choose.
Spread the word about…YOU: Every week, we feature an MFA member for “Me & My Art Monday.” If you would like to be featured, please submit a photo and three paragraphs: one each about YOU, YOUR ART, and MFA & YOU totaling approximately 350 words, to meandmyart@mdfedart.org.
