About Me

Artist Statement

Much of my work is inspired and learned from the artists and poets of the New York School. The impetus and courage of abstract expressionist painters of the post war era changed the art world and its definition of art. As I paint, and what I paint, is a record of personal transitions through my life and the influence these artists have had on my work.

I prefer to present multimedia abstract versions of real sightings, writings, images, and experiences. I find abstraction the most compelling way to represent my primary inspiration. You will often find words, drawings, or markings embedded in my work, hinting at the initial inspiration for that piece. I paint in both oils and acrylic paints using multimedia charcoal, graphite or pastels for mark making, layering and added depth to my work.

I am reluctant to describe my work in detail as I feel art should stand on its own and compel the viewer. I believe the words of Josef Albers that “Art is concerned with something that cannot be explained by words or literal description. Art is revelation instead of information, expression instead of description.”

Artist Bio

Dara was born and raised in the Boston area and introduced to the art world through her undergraduate (BA) studies in art history, studio and visual arts. She began painting in college and exhibited her works in local and community-based shows in the Boston area. Jointly, Dara began her career in science and technology roles working at several Boston area medical and research facilities. In 1990, Dara moved west to California accepting a job in the growing excitement of Silicon Valley opportunity. She settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, establishing a career in high tech and her studies during this time included a completed MBA degree.

There was never a fair balance between her art and meeting the requirements of a corporate world career but over the next 25 years she made some time for her creative work and studies. Dara moved into an art district in the late 1990’s and began to paint again. She completed studio work and studies at San Francisco Art Institute, California College of Art and UC Berkeley. She studied and read her favorite painters and poets – Frankenthaler, O’Hara, Richter, Mitchell and Emerson. She continued to paint on a part time basis while working and began to exhibit her work locally in group shows and open studio events in the Bay Area.

In 2020, Dara left the Bay Area for Palm Springs, California. She retired from the corporate world in 2022 and found a new studio to rededicate herself to her art. She is finally calling herself a full-time artist and has established her own business (Studio 9) exhibiting and selling her work. She participates in ongoing exhibitions in Coachella Valley including shows at the Perez Art District, Artists Council at the Galen and Desert Open Studios.

Dara’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries over many years and is now included in both private and commercial collections on both the East and West coasts. Dara’s current work may be found through her business, Studio 9 at website www.studio9-altobelli.com. Dara's painting studio and gallery is in the Palm Springs area and may be visited 'by appointment' through contact on her website.