Diva’s artistic journey began in childhood. She was born in New York City and found inspiration in everything that surrounded her. Her love of design and creative expression was evident at an early age. As a young girl, she filled sketchbooks with colorful drawings and abstract images and her first paid art assignment (at the age of 11) was for a neighborhood restaurant in Astoria, Queens. Her passion for photography and visual storytelling presented itself soon thereafter and photography continues to be an integral part of her life.

After completing her degree in Communication Arts & Sciences at Queens College, at C.U.N.Y., where she explored film production, photography, and media studies, she was inspired to develop her talents working as a freelance artist in NYC. From Tribeca to Madison Avenue, Diva worked on packaging design, logo design, storyboarding, printing industry projects, and more. She continued to hone her skills with studies at the Parson’s School of Design and the Nikon School of Photography while developing her career. 

Entrepreneurial as well as artistic, she has always had a passion for exploring new opportunities, and Diva re-invented herself through the years, utilizing her abilities in successful careers that included Graphic Design, Interior Decorating, Marketing, and Talent Acquisition. She continually found ways to weave her creativity within each of her professional pursuits. One of her professional adventures took her to the picturesque Sierra foothills of Northern California, where she lived and worked for 30 years, and met the love of her life.

While on the West Coast, she began painting in her studio focusing mostly on acrylic abstracts and discovered a new passion. Almost anything can spark an idea for a painting and influence her work, and her vibrant paintings often reveal energetic movement and a love for harmonious color. As a member of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association, California, she participated in several art events. 

“I love the process of painting – the start of an idea, the physical process of applying paint to canvas, the freedom of experimenting with different tools, and the spontaneity of the experience. I enjoy the spiritual and joyful experience of a painting taking on a life of its own as I work through it and allow it to evolve. While I very much enjoy representational art, I’m passionate about creating abstract art and I love exploring new ways to apply and maneuver paint. I enjoy how an abstract painting can resonate with people in different ways, unleash limitless possibilities for interpretation, and touch each person uniquely.”  — Diva Clendenin

A passionate interdisciplinary artist who photographs relentlessly and paints with her heart and soul, Diva is an active member of the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth Beach, and currently lives and works in beautiful Coastal Delaware. She is an avid art collector herself, with pieces from a variety of artists, and Diva believes that art makes all the difference in enhancing a space and bringing it alive. An original work of art exists only once in this world, and viewing it allows one to feel the vibrations and energy from which it was created. She hopes you enjoy her work and invites you to own one of her original paintings for yourself.