ARTIST STATEMENT
“Art is always at it’s best when it’s about something
greater than the artist.”
—Arnold Friberg
For more than 40 years, I have dedicated my artistic endeavor to realism in my fine art and illustration. To me, being an artist means what Tolkien called a “sub-creator.” Being created in the image of God, I am a creator—an artist—using the beauty of the creation, life experiences and well-known texts to create something more than just pictures. Each image is a way of seeing and a way of connecting with visual stories.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the story, I employ the "voice" and materials best suited to communicate its message—ranging from realism with the richness of oils or the detail of ink and colored pencils; or abstract realism expressed with the looseness and freedom of mixed media.
My ultimate goal is to create images you can immerse yourself in, sparking a memory, a reflection or an inspiration; to create art where the composition and the story come together to touch your heart and you’ll want too keep looking at it.
By offering a fresh perspective on familiar scenes or well-known texts, I hope to create compelling narratives that linger in your imagination, invite continuous discovery and inspiration, and ultimately enhance your life and draw you closer to The Creator. —Daniel Hill Riedel
PROFILE
Fine Artist; Illustrator; Designer; Muralist; Decorative Artisan
“I discovered my artistic talents and passion early in life growing up in Ohio. As a boy, both of my grandfathers had a profound impact on my life—one a painter, wallpaper hanger and the other a printer—which ultimately influenced the direction of my work later in life—when I embraced God’s calling on my life to use my talents, passions & interests for His glory and the good of others.”
After graduating from Cedarville University, I decided to pursue art full time while studying in Munich, Germany. Returning to the United States I pursued formal fine art training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA.
My professional art career began as a freelance illustrator in Philadelphia and also was a member of the original faculty at City Center Academy in Philadelphia (Tenth Presbyterian Church), teaching studio art and art history. At the same time I started The Graphics Guild, a printmaking studio and became a published book illustrator:
AND GOD SAID and Surviving College Successfully.
Since 1981 I worked in graphics and marketing communications as a designer, director and consultant for numerous companies and also operated my own firms, Revere Design and the Riedel Creative Group, LLC. My creative work spanned multiple media in those roles.
In 2009 I founded Riedel Decorative Finishing Company to create unique artistic expressions on the surfaces of his clients’ living and work spaces.
My work encompasses fine art commissions and independent projects; illustration; murals—traditional/trompe l’oeil as well as abstract styles; high-end decorative finishing and architectural coatings.
Currently the focus of my work is on independent projects which include paintings, drawings and illustrations for publishing projects as well as taking on commissions.
EDUCATION
BA Fine Art Program; Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; Philadelphia, PA
Drawing; Painting; Print Making; Art History
Die Sprachen Und Dolmetcher Institut; Munich, Germany
German Studies
BA; Cedarville University; Cedarville, Ohio
Interdisciplinary Studies, Philosophy, Aesthetics; Biblical Studies
Beginning a new large scale figurative painting
Completing “Morning By Morning” landscape
Painting a residential Trompe L’Oeil Mural; New York
Plein Air painting, Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
Painting a commercial decorative, abstract mural
Plein Air Painting, near Mesa Verde, CO