Diane Shaftman was born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she attended and graduated from The University of Alabama. She moved to Roanoke, Virginia, after she graduated college. It was in Virginia that her artistic expression began to surface, and in the early 1970’s she began attending art classes in multiple art mediums. Subsequent to that, she enrolled in various art workshops to enhance her skills. Diane has lived in Atlanta since 2000 where she has continued to improve her skills and techniques.

Some of the workshops she attended were conducted by Charles Reid, Arne Westerman, Janet Walsh, Polly Hammett, Frank Webb, Susan Sarback, Sally Strand, Serge Hollerbach, Nancy Franke, Gary Bodner, Ann Blair Brown, Peggy Kroll Roberts, Debra Nadelhofffer, and James Richards. She has participated in classes conducted by Mary Jane Birtch, Martha Rhodes, Vera Dickerson, Eric Fitzpatrick, Nancy Honea, Ben Smith, Debra Nadelhoffer, Jonathan Simon, and James Richards.

Her unique style is created through the mediums of water media, pastel, and oil. At this time she is painting exclusively in oil. Diane has been accepted in several juried shows in the mid Atlantic region and her art hangs in many private homes, galleries, and restaurants. Art serves as an important outlet for creative expression and growth in her life.

“Beauty and emotion speak to the soul; and in my work I try to express that passion with artistry and creativity. My hope is that the viewer can experience the feelings and stories I strive to bring to life on canvas…from their beginnings to their completed whole”. Diane.