Carrboro, N.C.
919 967-4480
email: dvaughan@email.unc.edu
website: www.danvaughanart.com
I was born and raised in Michigan receiving degrees in biology and medicine from Michigan State University and Wayne State University, respectively. While my science studies left little time for formal training in art, I have always had an active interest in visiting galleries and museum as my schedule permitted.
My retirement in 2003 from the University of North Carolina, has allowed the opportunity to devote more time to painting. In the fall of 2006, I had the distinct honor of serving as the artist-in-residence for 11 weeks in the Badland’s National Park in South Dakota.
To spend time in a national park is special; to live in one is so much more. What a treat it is to see antelope, bison, bighorn sheep, and coyotes while hiking on and off the trails in the park, as well as mule deer in the front yard each morning. Removed from my usual routine, I had time to get totally immersed in my new found passion. Painting daily, I completed 20 large works in pastels. Before leaving the park, I had a show in which the rangers and park staff chose the painting they liked best; this donated painting now resides in the visitors’ center at the park. My stay was truly a memorable one and I believe the paintings capture that experience.
Being a biologist by training, I like to incorporate wildlife in their natural habitats. I have a great appreciation of the out-of-doors and I enjoy painting a wide variety of the beautiful vistas in North America. The Big Sur, the North Carolina Coast, the mountainous terrains of Utah, Colorado, Alberta, and British Columbia have all provided inspiration. Through plein air I have enjoyed painting local scenes in Orange, Chatham, Durham, and Alamance counties.
Though my pursuit of art came in later years, it has been aided by my serious photography hobby of over 45 years. Many of the elements of a good painting are reflected in a good photograph including composition, lighting, value, and color.
click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting
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