Denise Hillman

Denise Hillman, a California-based artist, is a studio painter working primarily in oil.

I have always felt that being an artist was my destiny, and would sit for hours drawing as a child. After college, I had a long and successful career in marketing while raising my two sons. I’ve since developed a robust art practice that includes abstract, figurative and narrative subject matter often inspired by my travels. Some of my key inspirations are the Bay Area Figurative Painters like David Park & Richard Diebenkorn; and the New York Abstract Expressionists like Elaine and Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner and Rothko.

I regularly show in juried exhibitions throughout Northern California and Arizona where my work can be found in private collections.

Artist Statement: For me, the act of creating is about self-exploration along with the desire to connect with others on a deeper level. I want my work to spark an emotion from the viewer, perhaps inspire curiosity, awaken a memory from their life; or simply to delight them with the particular colors, values, shapes and texture that allow them to create their own story in the painting.

• BA in Expressive Arts at Sonoma State University (studied under Jay DeFaeo),
• BS in Advertising from San Jose State University
• Workshops at the Scottsdale Artists’ School with Mark Daniel Nelson, Derrik Pennix, Ron Hicks, David Michael Slonim and Peggi Kroll Roberts
• Mentoring with David Michael Slonim

2015-2017 Assorted Works, Martinez Arts Gallery, Martinez, CA
2017 Concord Art Association member show, Art Cottage, Concord, CA
2018 Passion, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2018 Dia de los Muertos, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2019 Recent Paintings, Five Suns Brewery, Martinez, CA
2019 Mash-up, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2020 Salon des Refuses, Art Cottage, Concord, CA
2020 Concord Art Association member show, John Muir Aspen Center, Walnut Creek, CA
2021 RBG Tiny but Mighty, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2021 Air, Land and Seascapes, Art Cottage, Concord, CA
2021 Recent Paintings, Makers Market, Martinez , CA
2021 Featured Artist, mARTinez Creates, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2021 Inspired by the Greats, Lamorinda Arts, Orinda, CA
2022 Concord Art Association member show, John Muir Aspen Center, Walnut Creek, CA
2022 Go Figure, Main Street Arts, Martinez, CA
2023 Recent Paintings, Lynn House Gallery, Antioch, CA
2023 Lamorinda Arts Alliance member show, John Muir Aspen Center, Walnut Creek, CA
2023 Recent Paintings, Crocker Art Museum, Big Names Small Art
2023 Opposites Attract, Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, San Ramon, CA
2023 Fresh Paint Beaux Arts, Scottsdale Artists School juried exhibition, Scottsdale, AZ
2023-2024 A...