Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Bittar.
Hi Diana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in London in 1974 to a Syrian father and a Czech mother. My early years were a fusion of diverse cultures. I was raised in Prague as a child before embarking on a new adventure in Syria with my family.
I always knew that I would be an artist. My mom was quite artistic herself, and she encouraged me at a very young age to draw. I instantly fell in love with it. It became second nature to me. As a student, I always got in trouble in school for sketching and doodling on all my books and notebooks instead of paying attention in class. Eventually, I graduated from Damascus Fine Arts University in 1995 with a specialization in visual communications and graphic design. While diving into art projects, I also started doing numerous commissions for private collectors and showcased my work in local art fairs and competitions.
Despite exploring various career avenues, I remained steadfast in my passion for the arts and design industry. In 2000, I moved to Los Angeles, where I reside with my husband and three boys. The year 2021 marked a significant turning point as I rekindled my first love: painting.
Today, I am fully dedicated to my art practice at my newly purchased studio in Santa Clarita, where I am able to meet with my clients and gallerists.
Currently, I am working on a new series of pieces, which I plan to exhibit as one conceptual show in the near future. I also have some available inventory at the studio that can be purchased by contacting me directly.
Beyond my personal projects, I am renowned for my commissioned work, which brings me so much joy when I meet or, at times, exceed my collectors’ expectations.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My greatest challenge has been stepping away from painting for nearly two decades, primarily due to the demands of motherhood. My eldest child is now almost 20, and I also have twin boys who are 16. I cherish my hands-on role as a mother, which made it difficult to commit to my art while raising three boys in Los Angeles.
For me, art is a deeply dedicated pursuit that demands full immersion, and it’s nearly impossible to engage meaningfully in short bursts. My artistic style thrives on immediacy and flow, and lengthy breaks can easily disrupt my connection to a piece.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of my work focuses on portraits and figurative art. I don’t feel satisfied unless I can share my emotions and humanity through my paintings, using them as a bridge to connect with the viewer. Lately, I’ve been drawn to themes of childhood and youth, trying to express the struggles they face, whether due to wars or the injustices of life. It makes me proud when I can touch someone’s heart with the faces I create, bringing a flat surface to life with feeling.
In the past, I primarily painted with oils, but after a long break of almost 20 years, I switched to acrylics. While they can be more challenging because they dry quickly, they also offer great versatility. I can thin them out or apply them thickly, which suits my bold, expressive strokes. Plus, they’re much less toxic, which is an added bonus. I also love sketching with charcoal and graphite; in fact, that’s how I almost always start my workday—an hour of pure sketching from live references or stills of art models, along with tons of photo references that I collect daily.
What sets me apart is my focus on my own vision. I don’t pay much attention to what other artists are doing, as I prefer to stay true to myself and avoid being influenced by others.
What does success mean to you?
In art!? Oh boy!!! The journey can often feel daunting. It’s a mission that never truly ends. Yet, I believe that much of an artist’s success is found in those special moments throughout their career when they completely lose themselves in the joy of creation—moments when they can genuinely impress themselves.
Of course, financial success can also be very nice, especially since you have most of your energy invested in art. That completes the picture.
I break down success into daily fragments, cherishing those instances when I reach a state of euphoria through my work. That’s what I consider a good day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianabittar.com/
- Instagram: diana_bittar_art
