I started painting in 1992. I took my first classes at the international art Centre in Dubai. I was fortunate to take classes with Jean Haines and Trevor Waugh along with many other Scottish, Canadian, Indian, and South African teachers.

In 2004, after 23 years in the Middle East, I moved back to Georgia with my two sons and two daughters. I have taught through Dubai International Art Centre, OFTC and their satellite campuses, Georgia college, Hobby Lobby in Milledgeville, and currently from my home studio in Milledgeville.

What draws me to paint is dramatic lighting and color! Watercolor is different than any other medium because each color reacts differently with the water and other colors. Colors can granulate, be translucent or opaque, permanent, or lifting. The best advice I was given was by my teacher Patricia al fakhri. “Use a limited palette and get to know your colors and don’t touch your paper more than 6 times”.

Things people don’t know about me… I speak some Arabic and am quite good at cooking Lebanese food. I used to sing in major roles with the UNICEF sponsored Operas in Dubai and sang with the Dubai ladies barbershop chorus.

My greatest Achievements in watercolor was 2nd place in the National United Arab Emirates Winsor Newton watercolor challenge in 2004.  Also, I have won first place in professional watercolor division place for the past three years at the Georgia National fair in Perry. I am a member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and currently have been juried into the members exhibition.

I spend my time painting, teaching classes, cooking for my husband, gardening, and enjoying my 13-year-old chihuahua and my 5-year-old Boston Terrier, Benji.

Dana Wiggins Thompson has several pieces of artwork for sale in the Gallery including her 2nd Place Watercolor piece titled, “Her Day in the Sun” which is priced at $1,400.