Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Daly
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art found me in 2011 while studying psychology in Colombia. Painting became my creative escape, unlocking a world of self-expression I never knew I needed. But as I stepped into the fast-paced marketing world, art faded into the background. Everything changed in 2016.
That year, a wildfire devastated Fort McMurray, Canada, where my sister lived. Feeling helpless from afar, I painted four abstract pieces to raise funds for the victims. In that moment, I realized art wasn’t just about self-expression—it was a powerful tool for impact. With my mom’s encouragement, I set up a small home studio, built a website, and Dos Santos was born.
In 2017, I moved to Fort Worth with my husband. Like many immigrants, I spent nearly a year waiting for my residency, unable to work or even drive. Seeing how much I needed a creative outlet, my husband built me a home studio. I began painting again, sharing my journey online, and connecting with the vibrant Fort Worth and Dallas art community. That’s how my artistic path reignited, and from there, everything started to grow.
For years, I balanced my corporate advertising job with my passion for art. In 2024, I opened my studio in Downtown Fort Worth, where I’m now fully dedicated to bringing together artists, businesses, and communities. Through my paintings, workshops, and curated art experiences, I aim to transcend boundaries, foster collaboration, and inspire creativity and self-expression.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped my journey in meaningful ways.
Building Dos Santos Fine Art from scratch, with no connections, no investors, and as an immigrant, came with its struggles. It required immense hard work; not just as an artist, but as a business owner. I had to learn how to market, build partnerships, and create meaningful collaborations. I was used to doing that for other companies in my corporate job, but never fully for my own business or art.
I realized I needed to shift my mindset: not just create art as a hobby, but to use it as a tool to make a real difference in my community through a legitimate business. That was a steep learning curve, and it took time to balance the personal and professional sides of art. I am still learning every day.
It hasn’t been easy, but every step has been worth it. I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, family, friends, and the amazing art and business communities in Fort Worth and Dallas. What makes Dos Santos Fine Art so special is the collaboration and openness to create new opportunities for art with other artists and businesses.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Dos Santos Fine Art, we believe art should be more than just gallery walls—it should be experienced, discovered, and integrated into everyday life. Art sparks conversations, transforms spaces, heals, and builds connections. In today’s fast-paced world, we need more of that.
That’s why we collaborate with businesses, artists, and communities to create unique art experiences:
1) Pop-up art experiences around Fort Worth and Dallas to celebrate art and build community.
2) On-demand corporate art shows, elevating corporate events with solo or group exhibitions by emerging local artists.
3) Art and self-expression workshops, helping people ignite their creativity and connect with like-minded people.
4) Art consultation and commissions, creating mindful, accessible art for homes, offices, and special spaces.
Giving back is at the heart of our mission. We support organizations like Make-A-Wish, BumbleBee Yoga Community, Yellow Rose Gala Foundation, James L. West, which focus on improving physical and mental health in our community.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Art is no longer confined to galleries, and in the next 5-10 years, I see the industry becoming even more immersive, interactive, and hybrid. As technology advances, digital art will blend with traditional forms, offering new ways to engage with art.
What won’t change is art’s core: it will continue to transcend boundaries, serving as a powerful tool for human connection, healing, cultural change and social impact.
At Dos Santos Fine Art, we’re dedicated to bringing diverse voices into this transformation and being part of the evolution.
Pricing:
- Our art and self-expression workshops start at $55
- Contact us to learn more about our on-demand art experiences
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dossantosfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dossantosfineart/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dossantosfineart/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dossantosart?s=21&t=bQI7suwxPTN3TUpHTvaa4Q
- Other: https://www.dossantosfineart.com/workshops
Image Credits
Astrid Gares @astrid_garces
