Dena Ann Adams is a painter, illustrator and instructor based in Minneapolis MN.

My work is an invitation to wonder - at the magic trick of three dimensional life in a two dimensional rectangle, at the trick of color melting into light, at the way that the manipulation of pigment and texture, color and design can transmit a feeling.

As a teacher I consider my job to be twofold - first,  sharing the possibilities that I've had the good luck to notice along my way so far, and enticing you to run with them or understand them as a road map to find your own art "song."  Second, the job is handing you some useful tools of your very own, whether you want to "riff" on forms established - or dig in and invent your own painted world.

If that sounds too hard for you to do - it isn't. The only real "pro secret" that I think exists is that it doesn't all have to be so hard. I look forward to seeing you in class!

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What does Art is Magic Mean to you?

I am excited and happy to be working with Art is Magic for the first time! In a lot of ways, this captures my favorite moment in the art process - that space of open possibility waiting for a transformation and a process to start.

Another reason I love the phrase "Art is Magic" is because for me, it's the magic. I don't practice any other kind -  it's what I've got, for what it's worth.

Every painting and every page is like the pull from a deck if we're attentive and respect our work and look for its messages.

Why do you create art?

I create art for two reasons. For myself and for others.  

Icreate for myself because I can't not do it. I know it's not the most unique thought, but it's true. I've always been painting and drawing, I've never stopped for very long. I do art. I would make this art no matter what it looks like or how it is evaluated by others.

BUT - I  also paint for others. There are unhealthy ways to think about "painting for other people"  but I believe that art can be true to a communal purpose. I set out to create images that others can find pleasing, resonant, calming, funny, charming, interesting, or just nice with their couch, even.  I think there's nothing wrong with any of those things, or with honing skills so we can get to our own best "beautiful."

What is Currently inspiring you?

I'm always inspired by the wild science of color mixing and the physicality of my paint. Lately water-mixable oil and watercolor are materials that really excite me and move me along.

Simplified modern shape vocabularies have me curious. Collage has me curious.

I'm always playing with the levels of "abstract" versus "recognizable" when I paint. Sometimes I paint things. Often I paint places. Always I paint paintings - how I get paint down is part of the content of the paintings.

What does my creative practice look like?

I create in a number of different "modes" each for different ends and for different purposes.

Lately I've been creating larger, abstract and semi-abstract work in watercolor for reproductions and decor. I love this work because I can be very visual and form-oriented about how I paint. It's like making and unravelling endless fun puzzles.

I also create layered paintings in oil and acrylic that are usually rooted in landscape or classic approaches. These are process intensive and challenge me, emotionally and technically.

Last, I love to work for  fun and relaxation and for those who appreciate it in a loose modern and illustrative way in art journals, sketchbooks and small work on paper. I love soft color and quiet whimsy, and I love intense color and decorative flourishes. Gouache and watercolor and pencils mixed? Yes please!

What do I wish I had known at the very outset?

You get to attempt the same image as many times as you want. Lean into things you don't know how to do, you CAN learn them, and you WILL see the uncomfortable become second nature - with repetition and curiosity!  So many things are learn-able, it's exciting.