about dan

Dan May is a modern narrative painter and illustrator whose work invites viewers into a surreal, emotionally rich world of imagination and quiet wonder.
 

His artistic journey began at the age of four, when he spent hours filling reams of copier paper, generously supplied by his father who worked at Eastman Kodak, with characters and scenes from his vivid imagination. Encouraged by his parents, this early love for drawing and storytelling continued to grow over time.
 

Originally from Rochester, New York, Dan earned his BFA from Syracuse University, where he studied under renowned artists and illustrators while further refining his unique style and technique.
 

Over the years, Dan has developed a visual language all his own, most notably through the creation of his world of Gentle Creatures. These soulful beings inhabit dreamlike landscapes and evoke themes of comfort, reflection, peace, and hope. While they may appear large or otherworldly, they are far from monstrous. They are kind, wise, and present, serving as quiet observers shaped by life’s complexities.
 

Dan’s work is recognized for its flowing, detail-rich textures and its ability to blur the boundary between the real and the imagined. His Gentle Creatures continue to take on lives of their own, unfolding stories across paintings and future projects.
 

In addition to his personal work, Dan has collaborated with clients across publishing, advertising, fashion, and animation. His illustrations and paintings have been featured in publications including Hi-Fructose, Juxtapoz, Communication Arts, American Illustration, DPI Magazine, and Society of Illustrators LA. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the 2013 Suggestivism exhibition at the Acquario Romano in Rome.

Dan is currently developing several children’s books and looks forward to continuing to bring his artistic vision to life through meaningful creative projects.
 

He lives and works in the Raleigh, North Carolina area with his wife, Kendal, and their three young children, their very own little Gentle Creatures.