Artist’s Statement . Artist’s Bio . Fine Art Exhibition history
Artist’s STATEMENT
The most important moment in story-telling is the climax. I capture the climax in the story of my images
during some kind of unsettling action. There is a cause and effect: Flying, falling, shooting, exploding,
wind blown or deadly still, each subject is on the verge of epiphany, and faces a new conflict. It is a
brief moment, right before the decision of either acceptance or rebellion. And this virginal moment allows
the viewer the opportunity to decide the ending.
Art is telepathy; I want my work to be a conversation and to transcend mere decoration. My fans never
cease to amaze me. Often a particular edgy piece seems destined to sit badly with an audience, only to
become a best seller. And more than once, I have heard an equally insightful interpretation of a piece that
is the exact opposite of the work’s original intention.
My process begins with reference images that are extensively altered and Photoshop them to suit my visions.
Very little is “made up” as I go along. Each painting is planned for, but can evolve during the work. I love
creating with my own hands and I take as much pride in building canvases, art-boxes, frames and mattes as I
do the actual painting. I believe in the “sweat, blood, and tears” philosophy.
I worship hundreds traditional artists, yet must steer away from becoming “just like” one of them. Therefore
inspiration comes by way of books, movies, comics, architecture, science, current events, and everyday
observations.
My best ideas have yet to be created and I wish to spend the rest of my days getting to know them. There
is a thrill with every opportunity to display my work, to be exposed and scrutinized and discussed. To me,
a gallery showing is the equivalent of a wedding day, career advancement and a dream vacation, all in one.
Artist’s BIO
Danny Roberts was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He’s worked for the past ten years in the commercial
arts field and the past five years in the fine arts field.
In 2004, his first fine arts solo show was The Injured, at The Arts Factory in Las Vegas. The show included
fourteen of his pastels. He followed The Injured seven months later, in 2005 with twenty new oil paintings that
were unveiled at the Art’s Factory, in a show called Externalities. Over the past four years he has produced two
to three shows a year showing in Las Vegas, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix and Palm Springs. He currently has
an artist-owned gallery upstairs at the Art’s Factory which will be transitioning from selling originals to his highly
collectable prints and giclées, and soon, other fine artists. He is currently being represented in Las Vegas by
the Brett Wesley Gallery undergoing renovations and temporarily staging shows in the Penthouse at the
Newport Lofts. His last show, Crossroads was in May for Brett Wesley Gallery.
Danny Robert’s figurative works often mix surreal and realistic elements. Metaphors that repeat are dramatic
movement, obscured vision and the cultural tools and weapons used for and against modern life. He reaches
deeply into the collective unconscious to capture in oils the human spirit at a moment of indecision. His
subjects explore both internal and external epiphany, from a personal crisis of faith to a choice that could
crumble a nation. Sometimes hopeful, sometimes heartbreaking, his amazing works explore the depths of
every man’s conflicting relationships with culture, nature and responsibility.
Whether in computer graphics, graphite, charcoal, water colors, pastels or oils, his skills are primarily
self-taught. In style, subject matter and inspiration, Danny Roberts is building a reputation for refined
skill and disturbing beauty. He currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife.
Fine ART
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Commercial ART
2006
2005
AWARDS
2006
2004 Juried Show, CCSN Art Club, The Art’s Factory, LV, NV, May 10-20, two entries, 2ed Prize
ORGANIZATIONS
2005-06 Allied Art’s Council of Southern Nevada
2004 EDUCATION
Press
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
REVIEWS
"With "Crossroads," Roberts reaches deep into the collective unconscious to capture in oils the human spirit at a
moment of indecision. His figurative subjects explore both internal and external epiphany, from a personal
crisis of faith to a choice that could crumble a nation."
Luxury Las Vegas, Danny Roberts’ "Crossroads" Offers Disturbing Beauty, June 2009
"Danny Roberts' sometimes hopeful, sometimes heartbreaking examinations of man's conflicted relationship
with culture, nature and responsibility."
Scott Smith, Nevada Magazine, Gallery Crawl, May-June 2008
"Whatever you're into, no matter how obscure or difficult it may be to put into words, odds are Danny's already
reached deep into the collective unconscious, pulled & translated it into an amazing piece of art. I am absolutely
floored by the volumes his work speaks to specific social issues or intricate inner/interpersonal conflicts."
Stephen Christmas, Vintage Vegas Internet site, Danny Roberts-My favorite artist..., Jul 12, 2007
"The new Damned Ink Studios, located in the Arts Facotry, explodes wth the visions of local artist Danny Roberts.
Inspired by 19th century French academic painters and graphic novelists such as Fank Miller, Roberts' works range
from tempestous scenes that romanticize white-collar rage to depictions of grappling DC Comics rivals and diaphanous
forms of ink and jeans struggling to create a compelling ethos."
~Michael Monson, First Friday magazine
“Danny Roberts says his art is representative of the ‘dark underbelly of the corporate world.’ While this
may be the direct motivator of ‘By any Means Necessary,’ [the name of his Aug show] one can argue that
Roberts isn’t just guilty of abusing the corporate culture, but also of using his excellent artistry to
set it ablaze, violently.”
“Danny Roberts blew up MTZ Contemporary with his oily photorealism on canvas.”
“Roberts uses strokes that are crisper and textured while losing none of the monumental dimensionality
and modeling. These are bold and accomplished works that challenge the viewer not to look away.”
_______________________________________________________________________ Danny is available for commissions. An online
store is coming in the future since most of the work on my site is for sale. Whether the originals
are available or not, we are in the process of providing the originals as limited edition giclee
prints on canvas. And we will always have open edition poster prints for sale. Please
Contact
Danny regarding purchases, commissions or to simply comment on his work.
EXHIBITION HISTORY
Crossroads, Brett Wesley Gallery, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 20, solo
Spring Art Affair, Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art in Neonopolis – May 9 -Jun 10, 2 entries
Retrospective, The Art Institute of Las Vegas Gallery, Henderson, NV, Feb 24 - Apr 6, solo
You’re Always Making A Big Scene, Epicenter: The Backroom, LV, NV, 6 entries
The New Millennials, 4 Artists, Brett Wesley Gallery, LV, NV Nov 20, 10 entries
Crimes On Canvas, Group Exhibition, M-Modern, HardRock Hotel, LV, NV Jul 18-19
They Have Us Right Where They Want Us,M Modern, Palm Springs, CA, Mar, solo
Revelations,The Box Office, Las Vegas, NV, Jul 6-26, one entry
Downlow Artshow, Hard Rock Hotel, LV, NV, June 29-30, one entry
Material Discourse, M Modern, Las Vegas, NV, Jun 1 - Jul 13 solo
Melt Town Collaboraton Show, Twelve18, LV, Jun 8-29 " ASCENDING" by Dray & Danny Roberts
Fools of April, Damned Ink Studios, LV, NV, Apr 6-27, one entry
Us vs. Them, Grand Opening of Damned Ink Studios, LV, NV, Mar 2-28, solo
Museum of Oddities, The Box Office, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 2-28, one entry
Gotham , M Modern, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 2-28, two entries
Blonde Bombshell, M Modern, Palm Springs, CA, Jan 27 - Feb 24, one entry
Underdogs, Toyroom, Sacramento, CA, Jan 19 - Feb 11, 2-30, six entries
LVSK8, MTZ Contemporary, Commerce Street Studios, Las Vegas, Nov 3 - Dec 14 one entry
Confluence, Rake Gallery, Portland, Oregon, November 2-30, ten entries
Naked Lady, MTZ Contemporary, Commerce Street Studios, Las Vegas, NV Sep 8-30
By Any Means Necessary, MTZ Contemporary, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 7-30 – solo
Five 5ive Five Show, The Arts Factory, Common Area 1, May 5–30 – four entries
9 Iron Curtain for Obstacle Art, First Friday Street Fair, Apr 7
Vivid Portrayals, The Bridge Gallery @ City Hall, Feb 3 – Apr 7 – two entries
9 Iron Curtain for Obstacle Art, Commerce Street Studios, Mar 3 – Jun 30, commissioned entry
Friday the 13th, Gallery Au Go Go, Las Vegas, NV, Jan 13-30 – solo
Best of the Best, The Art’s Factory, Las Vegas, NV, Oct 7-30 - two entries
Collections, Seat Gallery, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 5-30 – six entries
Externalities, The Arts Factory: Common Area 1, Las Vegas, NV, Jun 3-30 - solo
Heroes & Villains, The Arts Factory: Common Area 2, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 4-30 - one entry
Collection, Studio 5ive, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 4-30 - two entries
The Injured, The Arts Factory: Common Area 2, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 5-30, - solo
Juried Show, CCSN Art Club, The Arts Factory, Las Vegas, NV, May 10-20, two entries, 2ed Prize
Juried Show, CCSN Art Club, Las Vegas, NV, Apr 1-30, three entries, Hon. Mention
HISTORY
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, 7th Ann. Literary Issue, Oct 30 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Smoke and Mirrors, Oct 5-11 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Capital Soup, Sep 5-11 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, UNLV for Dummies, Aug. 17-23 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas Business Press, Corporate Bucks for Art, Aug14 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, The Two Reids, Jul 22-26 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Broadway is Dark Tonight, Jun 22-28 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Of Human Signage, Jun 8-14 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas Business Press, Gas Woes, Apr 10 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Who Gives a Flick?!, Mar 2-8 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, All Children Left Behind, Feb 2-8 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, The List Issue Jan 19 -25 2006
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Get Out of Town Dec 15-21 2005
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, What Lies Beneath, Dec 8-14 2005
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Attack of the Books Oct 13-19 2005
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, The Last Crusade, Sep 22-28 2005
Cover Art: by Danny Roberts, Las Vegas City Life, Juice Train, Sep 15-21 2005
2000-6 Free-lance / Consulting / Commissions – fine art, murals, graphic illustration
2000 Graphic Design Production, Computer graphics
1995-6 Interior Design, Murals, faux finishing - Las Vegas NV
Best Illustration, Nevada Press Association (NPA) Awards, Better Newspaper Contest,
Cover: When Books Attack, Publication: Las Vegas CityLife, 2ed place
Juried Show, CCSN Art Club, Las Vegas, NV, Apr 1-30, three entries, Hon. Mention
Contemporary Arts Collective
Whirlygig: Non-profit First Friday Arts Event.
5ive Finger Miscount: Nonprofit Arts collective that included such fine artists as
KD Matheson, Amy Sol, Mark T. Zeilman, Joseph Watson, Dale Mathis, Dray, Casey Weldon, Iceberg Slick, and Jon Hul.
2004 CCSN
REVIEWS
Feature & Photo; Danny Roberts’ Crossroads Offers Disturbing Beauty, Luxury Las Vegas, June, p.144
Review & Photo; Home is Where the Art is, Luxury Las Vegas, April
Review & Photos: Local Artist Profile, Revive Lifestyle Magazine, September
Review & Photo: Gallery Crawl, 81b, Nevada Magazine, Scott Smith & Gary Reece, May/Jun
Review: Stephen Christmas, Vintage Vegas Internet site, Danny Roberts-My favorite artist..., Jul 12, 2007
Blurb: Racket Magazine, Downlow Artshow, curated by M-Modern, Jun 29
Photos & Blurb: Erinn, Las Vegas Daily Photo internet site, Jun 11
Photo: Hazard All, Las Vegas Weekly, Pick of the Week, May 31-Jun 6:p36
Photo & Review: Sheeps Clothing, Michael Monson, First Friday magazine, Apr/May/Jun Vo.2-Issue 4
Photos: TRIFEKTO, Rock House, LV, Spy On Vegas! internet site, Apr, 8 April Live painting
Blurb: Kelle Schillaci, Las Vegas City Life, Pick of the week: Naked Lady, Sep 22-29
Photo: By Any Means Necessary, Las Vegas Weekly, Pick of the Week, Aug 3-9:p79
Review: Art Renegades, LV Internet Collective, MTZ CONTEMPORARY:Danny Roberts, Aug 7
Blurb: Bridge Gallery, Review Journal: Neon-Arts, Bridge Gallery, Mar 3-9
Feature: Las Vegas Weekly, Gray Matters, Feb 23 - Mar 1
Feature: Kristen Peterson, Las Vegas Sun, Lets play nine holes of art, Feb 19
Review: Art Renegades, LV Internet Collective, Gallery Au Go Go: Danny Roberts, Feb 18
Photo: In with the New, Las Vegas Weekly, Pick of the Week, Jan 12-18:p70
Photo: 9-Iron Curtain, 944 Magazine, 944’s Choice, Issue 5.5 May :p36
Blurb: Kelle Schillaci, Las Vegas City Life, Pick of the week: Unhappy Hellidays, Dec 22-29 2005
Blurb: Gene Wood, Concrete Skyline web review, Alternative Press Expo; Danny Roberts, Apr 10, 2005
Feature: Kelle Schillaci, L.V. City Life, Paint, sweat and tears: 5ive Finger Miscount, Mar 24-30:p. 20
Photo: Alter Ego (Superman), Las Vegas Weekly, Super Friends Unite!, Mar 17-23 2005:p.37
Review: F. Andrew Taylor, Las Vegas Mercury, Exquisite Corpses: The Art of S. Victor Whitmill and Danny Roberts, Nov 25,
Feature: Leigh McCormick, Stoke’d Magazine, Welcome to His Nightmare. Oct 16, 05
Photo: Hostile Takeover, Stoke’d Magazine, Art After Dark, Oct 13-24
~Aaron Thompson, Las Vegas Weekly, Pick of the Week, Aug 2006, 3-9:p79
~Art Renegades, LV Internet Collective, Aug 2006
~F. Andrew Taylor, Las Vegas Mercury, Exquisite corpses, Nov 2004