Diana Jaffe, Jaffe Fine Art

Lowcountry Originals 2025
October 2025 Issue
photography by (top)
Abri Kruger

Diana Jaffe, Jaffe Fine Art

Art Medium: Oil painting with gold
Current Residence: Hilton Head Island (since 1981)
Hometown: Richmond, Indiana

Family: Son: AJ; Daughter: Lara Hart, married to Scott Hart. Grandchildren: Annah Bottomley married to Shane Bottomley, Ella Jaffe-Taylor, Olivia Jaffe-Taylor, & Julia Hart; Bonus Sons: Marc & Scott Jaffe; Grandchildren: Sara Jaffe, Melissa Jaffe, Rossi-Anne Jaffe, Lawson Jaffe, Nicole Jaffe, Cameron Marantz, Lauren Marantz Tannenbaum and several great grandchildren

When and how did you discover your artistic talent? What led you to your medium, and what do you love about it?
I was always an artist—but a performing artist. Painting wasn’t even on my radar until much later in life. At 50, I returned to college to finish my undergraduate degree, planning to pursue a master’s degree in theater so I could teach at the college level. To avoid writing papers and group projects, I signed up for painting classes instead. What a surprise it turned out to be!

The very first time I put paint on canvas, I was captivated. I loved the feel of the brush, the texture of the paint, and the way something invisible in my mind could suddenly take form before my eyes. I had never drawn or painted before except in coloring books as a child. But from that moment, I knew I had discovered something that was truly mine.

I fell in love with oil paints—their rich color, easy blending, and subtle variations. I often begin with spray paint for texture, then develop with oils. For one year, I took pictures of the sunrise on the ocean. That sunrise helps me paint peace and joy to share with my collectors. I often use gold leaf, which feels timeless. Mixed with oil paint, it brings a warm sense of peace and joy.

Tell us about your journey as an artist.

My artistic path has been full of milestones and memories. One of the most unforgettable was studying painting in Paris at Parsons School of Art and Design alongside my late daughter, Jennifer. Each day we walked past the Eiffel Tower on our way to class. We painted in museums, parks, and on the streets. Sharing that experience with her remains one of my most treasured memories.

Later, while living in Florida, I decided to pursue an MFA in painting. At first, I wasn’t strong enough to be admitted, so I took classes as a non-degree student, determined to grow. With persistence, I earned a coveted spot in the MFA program at Florida Atlantic University. Two years later, I graduated—a proud achievement after years of hard work.

My education didn’t stop there. Most recently, I traveled to Italy to receive a certificate from the Milan Art Institute, continuing to refine my craft and expand my vision.

Tell us about a time when all good vibes came together:
Recently, I had my first solo art show at Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort in Bluffton. It was a large exhibition, and I had only three months to create new pieces for the space. The pressure pushed me to dig deeper as an artist. The studio buzzed with energy, each day bringing a new breakthrough. When opening night arrived, and I saw my name on the wall, it was overwhelming. Guests moved slowly, pausing at paintings, leaning in, sometimes even tearing up. In that moment, I felt the years of painting, the countless hours of persistence and practice, had culminated into something radiant. It was pure joy—a cloud-9 moment I’ll never forget.

What’s something unique you have that no one else is likely to have?

One of my treasures is a medallion from the U.S. Embassy in Singapore. My work was selected for their collection, and receiving that medallion was such a special acknowledgment. While I know I’m not the only artist to have one, to me it represents a moment of recognition and connection across cultures—something that continues to inspire me.

What encouragement do you have for those who are just beginning to pursue their artistic selves?

It’s never too late to reinvent yourself! If you’ve always wanted to paint, draw, make pottery, or perform, don’t let age or self-doubt hold you back. Inspiration has to find you working—the more time you spend, the better you’ll become. I’ve always loved the saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Be ready, get started, and seek out opportunities to grow. And don’t be afraid to make bad art—every artist does! It’s through experimenting that you discover your true voice. Never give up. For me, painting is more than creating images, it reminds me we are spiritual beings having a human experience, and that art can touch the soul in ways words cannot.

In addition to your art, what might people be surprised to know about you?

Before I ever picked up a paintbrush, I was a performer and motivational speaker. One unique experience was traveling to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where I gave programs in character as Marilyn Monroe. Stepping into her iconic persona allowed me to connect with audiences in a fun and unexpected way. That experience connects directly to my art: once I captured attention through performance, now I connect with souls and hearts through color and canvas. Both are about shining light and joy into the world.

How can we follow your work?

Follow my journey and be the first to know about new work—including the upcoming JoyTribe Print Club—by joining at jaffefineart.com/newsletter-sign-up.