Dana Veraldi says

“I often draw people from pop culture so it was a fun experiment to draw those closest to me - my immediate family. Simple, gestural and evoking a sense of togetherness and fond memories.”

Did LA or its landscape play any inspiration for you during your time here?

My daily routine while doing the residency was really structured which I do think helped me to focus well on my work.

What works are you most excited about?

I am most excited about my family series because it is something different than I normally draw and I have an obvious personal connection to the work!

Can you explain the two series we're releasing?

The Legend Portraits are drawings of some of my current inspirational figures - people I'd love to have dinner with. The Family Series are drawings based on old family photos, drawn more raw and gestural.

Why haven't you sold original portraits before? How have your portraits evolved over the years?

I have only sold prints in the past because I have been nervous to let go of an original portrait drawing - though it's exciting! I am excited for this series to end up in loving homes. My portraits have become a bit more detailed but still have a somewhat childlike sensibility as I am trained in fine art drawing.

What's next for you? Anything exciting coming up this fall?

I am working on a photography series based on the concept of family and siblings. I hope to do a collaboration with a home brand and my line DEERDANA. I just started a new side company with my siblings called Animalia, so we are currently working on our holiday items featuring my drawings of wildlife!