Danny Heller's stylish paintings of Palm Springs could be mistaken for photographs

In his series, Modern Leisure, American artist Danny Heller captures the stylish, retro elegance and California Cool that we've come to expect from Palm Springs.

Eichler With Galaxie. © Danny Heller

Eichler With Galaxie. © Danny Heller

"My artwork centres on mid-century American architecture and design, once revered for its groundbreaking ideas in form and social planning, but now largely undervalued in a culture that hungers for change," explains Danny.

What's interesting about his paintings is that they could almost be mistaken for photographs. "Working in a realistic style," he adds, "my paintings capture those settings where mid-century Modernism and environment come together harmoniously.

"I manipulate lighting, dramatic angles, and layout to form engaging scenes that showcase the dynamic elements of these spaces. Often focusing on modern suburban tract homes, classic cars, and house interiors, my work exposes this period of innovation to the wider public, and especially to new generations. In doing so, I’m helping to build a new respect for the past, aid in its preservation, and learn from it in order to move forward."

Danny's work is currently on show at a group exhibition at the George Billis gallery in Los Angeles. Cityscape runs until 22 July 2018.

Butterfly Roof Alexander House. © Danny Heller

Butterfly Roof Alexander House. © Danny Heller

Williams Residence. © Danny Heller

Williams Residence. © Danny Heller

1955 Packard. © Danny Heller

1955 Packard. © Danny Heller

Pool and Hedges. © Danny Heller

Pool and Hedges. © Danny Heller

Racquet Club Estates Lounging. © Danny Heller

Racquet Club Estates Lounging. © Danny Heller

Floating Inner Tubes. © Danny Heller

Floating Inner Tubes. © Danny Heller

Morning Lawn Flamingos. © Danny Heller

Morning Lawn Flamingos. © Danny Heller

Lounge Chairs and Umbrella. © Danny Heller

Lounge Chairs and Umbrella. © Danny Heller

Twin Palms Evening. © Danny Heller

Twin Palms Evening. © Danny Heller

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