Danny Folkman, 24 CALIFORNIA
Style & Inspirations: I am most inspired by the landscapes and cityscapes of Southern California, so I suppose my style has developed in response to the bright, vivid color and wide-open skies that we enjoy nearly year-round…I was also heavily influenced by painters like Mike Hernandez and Mark Boedges after taking workshops with both of them, as well as many of the early California Impressionists like Edgar Payne, Guy Rose and William Wendt.
Art Education: I have been drawing my entire life, and I would say I’m mostly self-taught in that regard, but my painting education has largely come from books, online courses and workshops that I’ve taken with my favorite master artists all over the country.
Best Art Advice Received: “Paint like a millionaire.” –Mike Hernandez. This is the saying that finally got me to loosen up and squeeze out way more paint on my palette, and there is a distinct difference in my work before and after hearing that.
Favorite Studio Music: Most often it’s old jazz (1920s to 1940s), golden-era Hollywood film scores or classic country western/folk.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: Payne’s paintings of the San Gabriel mountains never fail to amaze me. As for a current artist, I found a painting of the Vermillion Cliffs by Glenn Dean at this year’s Scottsdale Art Auction that I could have looked at all day long.
Artistic Goals: Having mostly painted with gouache for the past five to six years, I’d like to master oils and tackle much larger canvases. Long term, my goal is just to capture the essence and magic of Southern California as I’ve experienced it as best as I can.
Other Passions: Outside of painting, I love weightlifting. I think any physical exercise is the perfect complimentary activity to painting. I’m also a big fan of road trips, camping and anything related to old Hollywood.
contact info: dannyfolkman.comprice range: Up to $1,000+
Included in “21 Under 31 | Young Artists to Watch – 2025” from the August/September 2025 issue.
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