Diana K. Gibson Biography/CV

“My passion for the light is the driving force behind my work.” - Diana K. Gibson

Diana’s Traditional Fine Art career spans nearly three decades of oil painting and drawing. Diana K. Gibson is a painter of the traditional manner. She studied art history at Montclair State University and studied traditional studio and plein air landscape painting under the tutelage of master artist John Phillip Osborne. Shortly after receiving her formal art training, she became an instructor teaching traditional oil painting to adults and teens. Having painted and taught at such institutions like the Ridgewood Community School, Ridgewood Art Institute and the Morris County Art Association Diana took the next step and pursued her long time dream of having her own art studio. In 2022 she realized her dream and opened her Midland Park Fine Art studio located at the Brownstone Mill in Midland Park, NJ where she currently paints and teaches semi private small group classes for adults and young people.

In her classes, landscape, seascape, still life, plein air, figure and portraiture is taught year round. The fundamental elements and universal principles of traditional drawing and fine oil painting disciplines are explored with an emphasis placed upon the atmospheric prismatic flow of light as revealed by nature. Diana understands the benefits derived from the direct study of nature. As there is no substitute for drawing and painting from life, her students are strongly encouraged to work directly from the subject before them.

Diana's passion for the light is the driving force behind her work. The studio's north light flowing over subjects or the sun's sublime lambent light illuminating the landscape is the focus of her painting and teaching. Diana’s penchant and aptitude for portrait drawing and painting inspires both her students and the portrait models who sit for her. Under her guidance, both adults and young people receive the skills necessary for advancing their abilities in oil painting and drawing. High School students wishing to build their portfolio for college should consider her classes.

Diana has traveled the world painting ‘en plein air’ in locations ranging from the scenic Highlands of Scotland to the serene coasts of Maine. She’s painted in places like Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Tortola, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, Nova Scotia, Alberta Canada, Tetons, Yellowstone, Texas, Outer Banks, Tennessee, NY State and the NJ Highlands but her most favorite place to paint is Maine. Diana can often be found painting in her studio or painting en Plein air on location around the world.

Her work has been featured in American Artist Magazine and American Art Collector. She has exhibited in New York City at various shows including the American Artists Professional League, Hudson Valley Art Association, and Allied Artists of America. Her artwork was selected for the 2009 American Artist Magazine Plein Air Showcase Your State, NJ contest.

She has organized numerous multi plein air group paint out events and continues to lead plein air painting workshops in the NJ Highlands and beyond. Diana is a signature member of the NYPAP NY Plein Air Painters and the founder of the PAPNJH Plein Air Painters of the NJ Highlands. She has received many awards, including Best of Show. She has served as a jury show judge, a demonstrator, lecturer, curator and has chaired numerous art shows. Diana is represented by several galleries, and her work has been sold to private collectors in the U.S. and abroad. Diana is VIRTUS trained- Protecting God's Children program.

Diana’s background is varied and demonstrates her discipline, dedication and capacity to continually expand, evolve and challenge herself, stepping outside of her comfort zone. She holds a high brown belt in Shotokan Karate, is a National Gym Association All Natural Masters Bikini Pro and has participated in several duathlon and long distance bike ride events including the Ramapo Rally 50 mile rides and Twin Lights century rides. She is also a National Outdoor Leadership School graduate in association with the Epic Women Wilderness Program, Wind Rivers, WY.