About me

My name is Daniel Swan, I am a half-British, half-Spanish painter and teacher living in Brighton. I work with acrylics and oils, mostly on canvas, but sometimes on wood panels or even paper. I also like to use watercolours and inks, or charcoal and graphite. My great passion when it comes to painting is the human figure, with particular attention to portraiture. In addition, I love creating fashion illustrations. I have had some success with animal art as well.

I studied Fine Arts in Spain, both in Seville, where I was introduced to the more formal and traditional approach to art that would serve as the basis for what I later created, and Madrid. My two biggest influences are John Singer Sargent, the famous portrait artist, and David Downton, the incomparable fashion illustrator.

I have had exhibitions at various cafes in Oxford, where I was living until recently, as well as the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin (Oxford)and currently have some works for sale at Blanchard Collective in Hungerford.

Tap social

  • Exhibit held in 2020, put up just before the second lockdown. This is precisely why the paintings were featured in BBC news.

Art cafe

  • Exhibit held in 2019,put up just before the first lockdown.

Gay Pride 2019

  • Exhibit held at University Church Oxford with the theme hold tight, giving visibility to the fact that many gay couples still do nor feel safe to hold hands in public.

Collaborations

  • Design for a console table for Andrew Kornat Designs, displayed at Chelsea Harbour.
  • Design for the Christmas gifts H&M workers would receive in December 2008. The design was printed in a beautiful crockery set.

While having been blessed with many satisfied customers from all walks of life, here are some reviews that particularly touched my heart:

Hi Dan, We LOVE the painting. Lilly had already seen it but the photo she showed me didn’t do it justice. The subject has a very personal significance for Lilly so I knew as soon as I saw the photo why she wanted it. Thank you so much.
Helen A.
“Oh wow! Amazing! Thank you so much!!!!” (Shared on IG story)
Hugaceo Crujiente, Drag Race Espana contestant, on receiving a portrait
“Your portraits are so cool!”
The Rudy Project
“Good work mate! We came from Spain and walking bumped into your artwork… the best one”
Compact dreams, on seeing some artwork on The Oxford Pride Exhibition at St Mary’s
“My dear Dan, Thank you so much for the portrait, from the bottom of my heart, I truly love it.”
Lorenzo Caprile, fashion designer to Spanish royalty and host of Maestros de la Costura (translated):
“Gorgeous!”
Naty Abascal, Spanish socialite, former Duchess of Feria and fashion model, on receiving a portrait
“Wow, thank youDan! One of the highlights of my day was seeing your pheasant painting.”
Heath W.
“Beautiful :)”
Stephen Jones, on a fashion illustration featuring one of his hats.
“I’m amazeeeeeed! Thank you so, so much!”
Tolentino Haute Hats (Spanish milliners frequently featured in the media)

And I’d like to add some special “thank you” messages from: Art Arya (very beloved host of Drag Race Thailand and a true fashion icon), David Downton (the fashion illustrator I value most highly and actually inspired me to get into illustration), Sandy Powell, (OBE, British costume designer, winner of several oscars and BAFTAS), Esther Perbandt (runner up for Next in Fashion) and Hamish Bowles (fashion journalist and editor, Vogue global editor at large), among others.