"Pop-Up Party" by Dan Nelson

Acrylic on Canvas

48'' by 24''

I grew up in Chicago and worked as a graphic designer, but it was a year spent living in Palm Springs that truly awakened something in me. I fell in love with the quirky charm of the people and the bold lines of Mid-Century architecture. Both have become recurring inspirations in my work. More than that, it was a year of self-discovery—of learning who I am, what I feel, and what I believe in. That inner exploration led me to a sense of joy and peace, which now pulses through every painting. I work exclusively with acrylics on canvas—my impatient nature doesn’t suit oils—and I paint from my home studio, often with my cats close by, supervising. When I have a day off, I’m usually at my easel within minutes of waking up, painting until the evening light fades.My paintings are stories—moments in time told through color, humor, and emotion. I find inspiration in people: how they move, how they interact, and how small, everyday things can bring a smile. I paint the world inside me—a world that is joyful, whimsical, integrated, and full of the things we love, especially our pets. My hope is that when someone sees my work, their imagination wakes up. That they create their own story from what they see. If I’ve made you smile, then I’ve done my job as an artist.