The models within Daria Callie’s paintings exude vitality. They feel alive, spirited and with purpose, the models looking off into the distance, their faces intrigued by what they see, or to look directly at the viewer as if to say, ‘I’m here, and I have a voice.’ Callie’s paintings often portray independent women, they’re intended to be strong, to be role models. Their faces are painted in the style of realism – with a soft blurring of lines – while the background is an abstraction of mostly pastel colours, the choice suggestive of being bright and hopeful and thereby extending and merging with the atmosphere of the models. This is further amplified by the background’s abstract brushstrokes being brought forward with light application onto the model’s foreground, layering over them almost like an aura. The delicacy of the paint also has a resemblance to sunbeams, or more imaginatively a dreamlike ethereal quality that the models are a part of – everything seeming perfect.
Blurring the Lines, 2018, Oil on a Frosted Acrylic Panel. © Daria Callie 2022. YouTube
Callie creates a flawless spirit to her models, they seem hopeful, young and energetic, but through the realism of their image you feel they set a standard you can reach, or at least want to. There’s also a lightness to Callie’s technique, the oils are so softly blended that it’s hard to define brushstrokes, the only hit of texture coming from the abstract lines painted over the portraits. This difference provides a depth to the imagery which would otherwise be missing.
There is also a suggestion of sensuality to Callie’s art, but it’s never overt in its display, but more an appreciation of the human form, of its beauty and in some a display of self-empowerment. Primarily Callie’s paintings are portraits that embrace a strength of femininity and create a sense of inspiration.
We’ve recently been in touch with Daria Callie, who has very kindly answered some questions we had about her art.
What period or movement in art do you feel a connection to or inspiration from? And why?
I like, and get inspired, by many different art movements and styles. If I have to name one, I’d say –figurative art because it draws on reality but it’s not limited to it, and can be bold, expressive and symbolic. I find it interesting.
You do a lot of art tutorials, how important do you feel it is to make art accessible to the public?
It’s very important to make art accessible to the public, whether it’s to see and enjoy extraordinary creations and performances, or to participate in the act of creation ourselves. It’s very enriching.
I do like to share art tutorials and answer questions about oil painting, for example, and about color-theory. The techniques I know, etc. Because there are people who would like to get into painting, but are scared to, or just don’t know where to start, or lack certain knowledge, and I don’t want it to stop them.
What appeals to you in the models you choose? You’ve also done a few self-portraits, can you talk a bit about immersing yourself as a subject within your art?
I haven’t actually done a self-portrait. I believe you assumed I had because I painted my sister a few times. She’s a few years younger and even though we have some traits in common, she looks very different from me.
When I was just starting out, I didn’t have a lot of people who would model for me (especially for painting from life and sketching), but she has always been kind enough to model for me when I asked her.
When I choose my subjects or what to paint in general, I think ‘what has inspired me recently?’ In some way or the other, I need to feel connected to what, or who I’m painting. I want it to be interesting or meaningful to me.
