Lightness of Being

On June 1, RJD Gallery will present a new solo show titled Daniela Werneck and the Lightness of Being featuring the work of Werneck, a Brazilian painter who is now based in Texas.

- DANIELA WERNECK

Through the Lace, watercolor on Aquabord, 12 x 12"

Her work, all done in rich and sumptuous watercolor applied in both wet and dry techniques, features women subjects surrounded by texture, light and lace. The pieces are meant to invoke happiness and peace, and are a direct response to a trying period in Werneck's life. “I went back to my past, to when I was young, to paint things that I like, things that are romantic. My paints are meant to show love within our lives that are often very hard,” Werneck says. “I don’t want to paint heavy or bad things. I want calm and hope and love. And lots of sunlight because the sun and its warmth brings me peace.”

The artist says that even before she starts painting, her subjects bring her joy—the human ones and the objects. Nearly every square inch of her paintings is either fabric or flesh, and each is meticulously painted with astounding detail. Where other artists might see fine lace dresses or curtains and quietly walk backward out of the room, Werneck takes pleasure in the finery of ornate decorations and clothing. Diving into that level of detail gives her comfort. She also gets lost in the process.

Enchanted, watercolor on Aquabord, 8 x 8"