Artist Interview: Danielle Whitehead

Danielle Whitehead (Nielle Renee) is a visual artist from Michigan with a BFA from Michigan State University. She specializes in portraiture and figurative art, using intricate patterns and motifs. Danielle fosters community dialogue through her work, promoting empathy and understanding. Notable achievements include Brushes With Cancer Midwest 2023, features in Goddessarts Magazine, and participation in Fernland Studios Residency.

Danielle's piece, Queen Bee, was a Runner-Up in the MoonLit Getaway Grand Opening Contest (Visual Art Category).

Queen Bee by Danielle Whitehead (medium: oil on canvas)

INTERVIEW

MG: What got you into art?

DW: My journey into art began when I was just three years old. I watched my dad paint a buffalo, mesmerized by how he brought it to life on a piece of computer paper. After that, I asked him to teach me how to draw. He immediately grabbed a piece of paper, placed it on a clipboard, and he showed me how to break down the human head into simple shapes and lines, teaching me the basics of proportion. That magical moment sparked a deep fascination with creating art.

Noticing my growing interest, my parents nurtured my passion by providing me with art supplies, drawing books, and taking me to museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. My grandmother, an avid art collector, also inspired me with her home filled with works by Detroit artists. Being immersed in such a rich and creative environment from an early age instilled in me a love for painting and a desire to pursue art seriously. 

MG: Tell us more about Queen Bee—what inspired it? What makes it unique?

DW: Queen Bee serves as an allegory for female empowerment and pays tribute to the vital role women play in our communities. By using honey bees as symbols, I sought to celebrate matriarchs who nurture and uplift the next generation, ensuring the flourishing of their communities.

Drawing inspiration from royal portraiture, I portrayed the queen bee as a dignified leader, emphasizing her importance through her attire, crown, and regal demeanor. This piece embodies notions of sovereignty, dignity, and women's invaluable contributions.

What makes Queen Bee unique is its symbolism. Much like honey bees pollinate flowers to sustain ecosystems, women contribute to the growth of projects, initiatives, and life itself, fostering community and creativity.

MG: Are you currently working on anything else?

DW: Yes, I’m currently working on a few larger paintings, and I can’t wait to share them once they’re finished!

MG: What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever made? Why is it your favorite?

DW: My favorite piece is the one I’m currently working on, titled Loving You. It weaves together elements from my childhood, such as the joy of growing up in my parents’ garden, blending them with influences that have shaped me over the years—patterns inspired by the vibrant aesthetics of the 1960s and 70s, themes from African American folklore, and my deep love for nature.

This piece holds a special place in my heart because it represents the culmination of my artistic journey. It showcases how much I’ve evolved in storytelling, layering meaning into my work, and refining my rendering skills. Loving You feels like an authentic expression of my identity, my roots, and the passions that drive me as an artist. It’s a visual love letter to the experiences and influences that have shaped me, making it deeply personal and meaningful.

MG: Are there any artists that inspire the way you make your pieces?

DW: Absolutely. I draw inspiration from a wide range of incredible artists, each of whom has deeply influenced my creative process and artistic voice. Kehinde Wiley’s bold use of color, intricate patterns, and celebration of Black identity resonate strongly with me and inspire how I integrate storytelling into my work. James Jean’s surreal and dreamlike compositions captivate me with their depth and imaginative quality, encouraging me to push past my creative boundaries.

Audrey Kawasaki’s delicate line work, use of wood grains, and ethereal figures have influenced the way I approach form and emotional expression, while Gustav Klimt and Alphonse Mucha’s mastery of ornamentation and their seamless blend of fine art and decorative elements inspire my love for intricate details and patterns. Lina Iris Victor’s use of gold leaf and her exploration of African heritage through a contemporary lens have been especially impactful, reminding me of the power of cultural storytelling in art.

Each of these artists brings something unique to their craft, and their influence collectively shapes how I approach my pieces—with intention, attention to detail, and a passion for storytelling that connects with my audience.

MG: Do you have any social media you’d like to share?

DW: Yes! You can follow me on Instagram at @nielle_renee, and you can visit my website at niellerenee.com.

MG: Do you have any advice for other artists?

DW: My advice is to develop a basic understanding of the business side of art, especially marketing. Knowing how to present your work and build your audience is just as important as creating the art itself.