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Dana Wiggins Thompson is an award-winning watercolor artist, instructor, and former professional photographer based in Milledgeville, Georgia. Known for her luminous use of light, expressive realism, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Dana's paintings celebrate the beauty of ordinary moments, the dignity of aging, and the rich traditions of Southern life.
Before dedicating herself fully to watercolor, Dana enjoyed a successful 27-year career as a professional photographer. Her images were published internationally in National Wildlife Magazine, Australian horticultural publications, promotional materials for Russian travel agencies, and through Getty Images in the Middle East . This extensive photographic background continues to influence her paintings through strong composition, dramatic lighting, and an eye for capturing authentic human expression.
Dana began her watercolor journey while living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she spent more than two decades raising her family and pursuing her creative passions. Since returning to Georgia, she has continued to develop her distinctive artistic voice while sharing her knowledge through teaching, workshops, and private instruction.
Since 1996, Dana has taught watercolor through colleges, workshops, art organizations, and her private studio. She is passionate about helping students build confidence through strong design, value patterns, color harmony, and transparent watercolor techniques.
Dana is a Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, a Signature Member and Board Member of the Southern Watercolor Society, and an Associate with Distinction of American Women Artists.
Her work has received numerous national and international honors, including the Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Golden Brush International Competition, Second Place in the American Watercolor Society Associate Members Exhibition, First Place in the Southern Watercolor Society Small Works Exhibition, Director's Choice in the Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibition, and the People's Choice Award in the North American Watercolor International Exhibition. In 2026, her painting The Shadow Quartet was accepted into the prestigious National Watercolor Society International Exhibition.
Dana was recognized by Artists Magazine as one of the Top 10 Artists Over 60 and her work has been featured in Splash 25, The Art of Watercolour, and other national and international publications.
Whether painting an elderly face etched with wisdom, a child lost in wonder, or a quiet rural scene bathed in light, Dana strives to create artwork that tells a story, evokes emotion, and reminds viewers that beauty is often found in life's most ordinary moments.
"My goal is not simply to paint what I see, but to paint what I feel." – Dana Wiggins Thompson