Daniel Wall Talks About His Lasting ‘Impression’ on Art in Our New Interview

Daniel Wall poses with some of his collectors at a Park West event. (Image courtesy of @k0eap)

When artist Daniel Wall immigrated to the United States from China in 1995, he didn’t expect his life to change in the way it has.

He had struggled to find work in China as an art teacher and illustrator, but, upon arriving in the U.S., Wall pursued his art career with new vigor. That passion eventually helped Wall develop his trademark style—“Intense Impressionism”—which he says was inspired by the positivity that surrounded him in his new home country. Soon, Wall abandoned a planned career in mathematics and computer science to pursue his art full-time.

It was a gamble that paid off and, today, Wall has collectors around the globe.

“The Stillness of Venice,” Daniel Wall

It helped that, from the age of 9, Wall always knew that he wanted to become an artist. “When I was little, I just liked to paint,” he told us. “It was a joy for me.”

After decades working as a professional artist, that early excitement can still be seen in his vibrant creations that celebrate love, life, and beauty. In hopes of bringing joy to others, Wall’s unique style highlights the beauty he sees all around him, whether it’s sitting by a lake or admiring the changing leaves on a fall day.

“Colorful Quiet Fall,” Daniel Wall

When asked about what makes him such a positive person, Wall said, “My positivity is largely inspired by my wonderful wife, who I met in high school. Next year, we will be celebrating 30 years of marriage!”

He also acknowledged his pastor Larry as a significant influence in his life when he came to the United States. “Larry gave me my first Bible and taught me about something I never learned in China—Jesus Christ.” Much of Wall’s work is drawn from by what he has learned about the importance of being positive, faithful, and forgiving.

A work-in-progress in Daniel Wall’s studio. (Image courtesy of @daniel_wall_art)

We asked Wall how his artistic process has evolved over the years. He told us: “My style has always been Intense Impressionism, but after I immigrated to the United States, my religion played a larger role in my life and in my art. If I were to compare it to three years ago, I feel that my work is now stronger and more intense. If we were to look at my work from 20 years ago, I feel that it is very soft compared to what I am doing today.”

He went on to say, “Life is about joy and happiness, and painting is when I am the happiest. That has never changed over the years.”

“A Romantic Alley,” Daniel Wall

Today, Wall is a father with grown children now in college. (His son is a rising sophomore at Duke University.) We asked Wall what it was like for his children to see art being created in their family home every day.

He said, “When they were little, they enjoyed drawing and painting, much like other kids. I let them develop their own skills and didn’t teach them how to do anything specific, they discovered what they liked on their own and would paint or draw it.” While his children are off exploring their own paths, Wall mentioned that if, someday, they were interested in pursuing being a professional artist, he would be happy to teach them a few things.

Daniel Wall’s studio and his two adorable “studio students” (Image courtesy of @daniel_wall_art)

Wall’s motto is, “If you like something, you should work hard to pursue it.”

When he can get away from the studio, Wall enjoys walking his two dogs, swimming, rowing, and ice-skating. He told us that he learned how to ice skate years ago when his daughter was around 3 years old, and he had to learn how to skate himself to keep up with her. Wall says that his favorite moments are when he is at home with his wife and kids, saying “They are more grown-up now and out doing their own thing, but it is nice when we are all able to be together as a family!”

“Colorful Street,” Daniel Wall

If you’re interested in collecting the art of Daniel Wall, please contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.