Scratchboard artist, Danna Fruetel, is VIVA’s Guest Artist for April!
Danna’s Artist Statement:
I have a motto that I live by: “My Only Desire is to Inspire.” This is why I do what I do. It is always my hope that you look at my art and feel a spark of desire to go out and do something that brings you joy. While doing that, your creative passion will spark others, too.
I want my art to brighten someone's day. To make them feel a connection to the rhythm of the Universe. To understand that they are a little tiny piece of it all.
Danna’s Biography:
I have a BA in Business and worked in that field for many years. Later in my life when I had children and began working in the schools with Special Needs children in order to work in the school schedule to spend more time with my own children. Then I was forced to stop working due to a disability and found my way back to the art I loved as a child. That was 9 years ago. I now spend my time working on my art and volunteering with art groups. Art is what I surround myself with.
I classify myself as a scratchboard artist. I was attracted to this medium 13 years ago because of the dramatic contrast that can be achieved. Before scratchboard, I was a graphite artist but often became frustrated by not being able to achieve the deep blacks I desired. Since I discovered this medium in 2013 it’s been my main focus. Scratchboard is not a fast medium and larger pieces will often take me a month to complete. I usually work 4-5 hours a day at my studio at the Art Center in Newton, Iowa.
I also work in Gouache and Oil Pastels. There are many times I just want to have fun with wild designs and colors. These two mediums help me do that and they don’t take forever to complete.
During the winter of 2020, I published my first children’s book ( I am the writer and illustrator). In 2025 I completed a small poetry book.
Danna answers some fun questions!
Can you articulate what draws you to a particular composition?
The lights and darks of a scene are my major concerns of a composition. I look for something to pull me into it. I also look for a strong contrast. If it’s not there in the reference I will create it. My mandalas are inspired by nature. The thought of a piece of art growing from the middle reminds me of a seed springing to life.
If you could have one work of art in your home from a museum or private collection, what would it be?
I have made it a habit to collect pieces from artists that I admire. Most of my collection is from other scratchboard artists. My favorite artist is Scott Krohn and I have several of his prints and 2 originals from him. His pieces make me feel like I’m out in nature, and that’s my favorite place to be.
Why did you decide to work in your chosen medium?
I discovered scratchboard about 14 years ago on the internet. I was attracted to it because of the contrast and different textures that could be achieved. My style has changed through the years but the appeal of the contrast has kept me hooked and I continue to always try to get a new texture from a new abrasive tool that I may find. I also work in gouache and oil pastel. Since Scratchboard is such a detailed time consuming medium sometimes I just want to get something colorful done in under a month.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I love nature, the look, the smell, the textures, the feelings of it all. I’m also a meditator and I often get inspiration in my times of silence. I am a member of The International Society of Scratchboard Artists. I have been a member for 13 years and the group is like a family. I am constantly inspired by those in the group. Sharing the medium with them is a huge part of my life.