​Of Eurasian heritage, Dara was born and raised in London, moving to France after school. She went to the École des Beaux Arts in Aix-en-Provence to study architectural draftsmanship.  However, the life drawing classes held far more appeal than technical drawing and over the course of three years spent in the sun-drenched land of Cézanne, she gradually turned towards fine art. She went on to spend time living in Japan and travelling within Europe, Asia and South Africa.” She has sold her work to clients in Britain, Europe, North America, Chile and Australia.

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​Some of her output bears witness to her inclination to express connections to the world outside of her own immediate sphere of experience. But during and since Covid her subject matter has turned to a more quotidian recording of subjects closer to home such as her garden environment, English landscape, and family. Recent new work is combining past elements and expressing commentary on dramatic world events, particularly current wars and the environment.

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Ultimately, however, she states, “as an artist, whatever the initial motivation for a painting or drawing, the process of creation and the medium used on the canvas or paper has to be cajoled and negotiated with and allowed to evolve and take on a life of its own beyond the initial intention. This is challenging and exciting in equal measure.”

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Education 

 

City & Guilds of London Art School - MA Fine Art (Painting) 

Roehampton University, London - BA French and Art History   

Ecole des Beaux Arts—Aix-en-Provence, France - Diplôme de Collaboratrice d'Architecte

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Exhibitions

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2021 RSSW (Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour) - 141st Open Annual Exhibition

2016 (April) 'Looking to the Stars' exhibition - The Brick Lane Gallery (curated by The Hornshaw Gallery www.thehornshawgallery.com)  

2015 Merton Arts Trail  with ‘Wild’ (Wimbledon Life Drawing Group)

2013 Merton Arts Trail (Sep 2013)—Open House                

2011 Merton Arts Trail (Oct 2011)—Open House                    

2011 Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2010 Cork Street Open Exhibition — shortlisted

2010 Open Studio (Spring) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2009  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2009  Exhibition with artist and philanthropist Susan Mensah (1968-2024), ‘Artists for Human Rights’ - The Garden           Hall, St Mary’s Church (Wimbledon)

2009 Guildford High School Charity Auction—Guildford High School

2008 Kings College Charity Auction—Cotman Gallery, Kings College, Wimbledon

2008  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2007  Open Studio (Spring + Autumn) - Wimbledon Art Studios

2005  Christies Charity Auction with The Art Movement

2004  Islington Art & Design Fair - Candid Arts Trust

2004  Affordable Art Fair with Hicks Gallery 

2004  Islington Art & Design Fair - Candid Arts Trust

2003 Thomas Eggar Solicitors (London)

2003 City & Guilds MA Degree Show

2001 4Cast Ltd. London – Solo representation throughout the company offices

2001 Ashridge Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hemel Hempstead)

2000 Dearle & Henderson Exhibition (London)

1999 FI Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hemel Hempstead)

1997 Ashridge Young Artists’ Exhibition (Hertfordshire)

1996 Connoisseur Gallery (London)

1995 The Cut Gallery (London)

1985 Park Gallery (London)

1984 RA (London) Summer Exhibition

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