Dana Hassett: 'What You Think Is True To What You Paint'

Artists. They are as individual and unique as the pieces they create.

“What you think is true to what you paint,” said local artist Dana Hassett.  “Regardless of media, genre, or technique is self expression. It is the ‘stuff’ that dreams are made of; history speaks of and humanity can not function without. For me the impressionistic painting approach is an exciting adventure into this life. A moment in time, thought and heart is created as a happening that will enrich our lives. It is a method of bringing to mind an adventure that can be lived with, nurtured and enjoyed. It becomes a part of the whole. Because we are all one - this very thing called art, makes each of us apart of something more.”

When it comes to art, Hassett likens it to perception.

"We do not see the world as it is; we see it as we are," she said.

She started out working in design, but today Hassett works with oil and sketch work. Hassett says the best part about working with the art she does is the “relaxation and spiritual feeling” she gets. Hassett has had a very active role in the art community for the past 20 years. Her favorite medium to work with is oil.

“Paint is tactful,” Hassett explained. “The consistency. It lends itself to textures. It can be translucent. You can paint over itself. It is very workable.”

She finds inspiration for her pieces through nature. Rural Ulysses has offered inspiration in some of the pieces she has created as well.

“The simplicity of this area lends itself to the basic skills and knowledge of painting,” Hassett said. “By mixing in simplicity of the colors. I’m waiting to see what the drought will bring for new colors in the landscapes,” she said.

Hassett likes to create in the “country”, and says there is no “specific thing she is locked in to” regarding a particular environment or material in her work.

“I’m open to learning and discovering,” she said.

Her favorite time of the day to create is early morning because of the lighting that is available. She finds her motivation through nature, her faith, but is quick to point out that “our minds are what takes the option.”

Hassett says her artwork is set apart from other artists who work with the same type of media because it is “extremely spontaneous and quick.”

“Sometimes (I am) dancing with music, sometimes somber, sometimes exciting,” she said. “I always paint standing up.”

Her art has been therapeutic for her. Hassett delved in to the art world after an accident while working with horses, something she has been involved with for 45 years. According to Hassett, her art is helping her to “heal”. And healing is one of the things she wishes for her customers.

“I would like (my art) to touch people spiritually,” Hassett said. “To be uplifting, healing, etc.”

Art helps Hassett in other areas of her life.

“My attitude is better,” she said. “Anything is possible. It’s what makes me who I am.”

When choosing art to purchase for herself, her advice to customers in the art world is the a philosophy she has for her own purchases, “if it touches something inside of me - that reason would be why I would choose it.”

Arts importance to society is a part of Hassett herself. “Again, it’s who I am,” she said. “To see things in color and relate that through the art works.”

How does she define success?

“It’s part of life,” Hassett said. “If I didn’t have it I’d be lost. The ‘what ifs’ are what takes you farther.”

She continually develops her artistic skills through practice and “planning in my mind to get on to the canvas.” Over the years, she has noticed some change in her style.

“I’m more sure of myself,” Hassett said. “I apply paint easier. I’m more determined..... (I use) less strokes that have more meaning.”

The favorite aspect of her profession is two-fold.

“The certainty of your experience and knowledge,” Hassett said. “And the ability to connect with the person(s) who purchased my art.”

Her least favorite part of her craft is the marketing and business side.

The artists who have been the biggest influences on her own creations are Matt Smith, Daniel Garharte and Nicolai Fechin, a Russian artist.

Hassett is appreciative of the “circle of support” she has from artists she knows personally, especially in light of her having just returned to the art world from a brief time away.

“I’ve been out of the art world for three years and I hope to be back ‘full fledged’,” Hassett said. “I’m adjusting my way of creating and working back in to it.”

Her advice for other artists?

“Paint for yourself,” she said, “and that’s what you share.

Her art is for sale and many pieces can be found at the Main ARTery, 103 South Main Street, in Ulysses.