Diane Tunnell's passion for art began at a very young age and was fostered by the encouragement of close family and friends. She explored art at the Colorado State University and received a B.A. in Art and Anthropology from the University of Colorado. Diane also earned an Associate Degree in Advertising Design from the Art Institute of Colorado. While in college, she studied art in the Tuscany Hills near Florence, Italy. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico and India, studying the art and architecture of different cultures.
Diane has had the opportunity to incorporate her knowledge and love of art in a myriad of settings. In addition to creating art, she has worked in the advertising industry, as a yoga instructor, and as an elementary school teacher. She now feels blessed to be pursuing art full-time.
As a member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society, Diane has been in juried exhibitions biannually since 2010 and has accrued accolades for her colorful, bold tropical style of watercolor. She has been involved in many group and solo shows on the Big Island, as well.
Waimea portrait artist, Kathy Long has been a mentor to Diane. Helping to refine her unique blend and style of watercolor painting, she has also learned from prominent watercolor artists, including Carol Carter, Kathleen Alexander, Robert O'Brien, and Iain Stewart.
Diane’s work can be found in private collections, and on display at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, West Hawaii Civic Center, Kona's Veterans' Administration, Hawaii Document Service, Clark Realty, medical offices, Compassionate Expressions Mountain Inn (North Carolina) and the Life Care Center of Littleton (Colorado). She donates to the fundraising auction for Kona Hospital.
I focus on watercolor for its vibrancy of color and subtle effects of light and transparency. This medium has the ability to render linear details contrasted with flowing movement. I feel guided to paint by my inner spiritual life, inspired by the outward manifestation of God's beauty in Hawaii.
My works include nature, tropical flora and fauna, native species, figures and landscapes of Hawaii, and scenes depicting Hawaiian culture. The feeling of the spirit in the subjects is what I try to capture.
My paintings are often inspired by the lush tropical landscapes found in Hawaii, but sometimes they originate from scenes in my own garden or imagination. The process starts by taking many photographs. Afterwards work is done in the art studio, using detailed drawings, often using multiple photos to accentuate the composition, color and design. I often use layering of watercolor glazes, mingling wet on wet, and use masking fluid to save whites. Small value or color studies are made before the final painting.
I find tremendous joy and upliftment in this work and I hope to convey this in my paintings.
Harbor Gallery
Kawaihae, Hawaii
Cliff Johns Gallery
Kainaliu, Hawaii
Glyph Art Gallery
Holualoa, Hawaii
Dreams of Paradise
Hilo, Hawaii
Diane is also featured artist at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Papa‘ikou, Hawaii
Awards
2013 Hawaii Watercolor Society Open Show, SMS Research and Marketing, Armadillo Art and Craft, and Sun Eden Artist Gear Award for “Tradition”
2013 Hawaii Watercolor Society Members' Exhibition, SMS Research and Marketing, and Sun Eden Award for “Magnificent Iris”
Art Exhibitions, Group and Solo Shows
Business Clients
King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, Honu Restaurant; Civic Center, Kona, Hawaii, Building Department; Malama Pharmacy; Veterans’ Administration, Hawaii Document Service, Clark Realty, Dr. McElroy’s medical offices, and fundraising auction donations for Kona Hospital.
© Diane Tunnell 2018 - All Rights Reserved
Web Design: Glyph Art Studio