Ariel Davis

Observation, documentation, introspection, reflection, and action – brush to surface.

Ariel Davis is a keen observer with an attention to detail. Her artistic process involves a fusion of photography, collage, and digital manipulation, resulting in captivating source images that serve as the foundation for her narrative figurative realist paintings and mural work. Along with a formal education in painting, she studied photography for years, including photojournalism, which informs her approach to creating of-the-moment images. However, Davis’s work is not photorealism; often, her work is imbued with moments of abstract expression and full of subtle symbolism. Her paintings are decidedly paintings, and she is playful with the materiality of paint. Her works hold an emotional atmosphere and are marked by strong contrast and bold color.

Collaborating with family and friends from her community, Davis infuses her work with intimacy and familiarity, creating paintings that resonate with wide audiences while pointing to specific social issues. It is a gentle approach to hard discussions. Through her work, Davis tells the story of contemporary feminine life.

Davis's artistic journey is punctuated by notable achievements and accolades. She earned her BFA from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and has shown her works in over 50 exhibitions since graduating. Her murals adorn prominent locations such as Globe Life Field (the home of the Texas Rangers). Notably, Davis's portrait painting of Paul McCartney was presented to the musician as the official gift for his sold-out Texas performance at Dickies Arena in 2022. She was named Best Artist by Fort Worth Magazine in 2018 and 2024.

Davis is currently based in Fort Worth, Texas, where she works as an artist and art consultant.


Follow Ariel Davis on Instagram: @arieldavisart