Meet Danielle Cowdrey

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Cowdrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to be a complete workaholic. I wouldn’t let myself disconnect and often took meetings while on vacations and on the weekends. The biggest change came about a year ago when I was laid off from my job of 12 years. I was congratulated for my work ethic and high-quality work product, but at the end of the day I finally realized I was significantly more loyal to a company that was not loyal to me at all. To be frank, that is just business, right? But it helped me shift my mindset about my own mental health and wellbeing. My work ethic hasn’t changed but I have set healthy boundaries for myself. I am willing to work overtime when needed, but that should not be the normal. My art career is a result of my attempts to manage my mental health at my previous job. Painting was one of the few things that would relieve my stress and it just so happens that I also had some natural talent I wasn’t unaware of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has become the most powerful way I connect with the world—but what surprises most people is that I only started painting a little over a year ago. What began as an experiment quickly turned into a full creative calling. I’ve always been a forever learner, someone who constantly dips my toes into new mediums, but painting offered a unique outlet where imagination, emotion, and color all came together in a way that just clicked.

One of the things that makes my work unique is this fresh lens I bring to it. Because I’m self-taught and relatively new to the medium, I approach painting with both curiosity and freedom—unbound by traditional rules but deeply invested in technique and storytelling. My specialty is creating colorful and fantastical pieces that have one foot in the real world but always include some kind of twist.

My work often features glowing landscapes, reimagined flora and fauna, and mythic creatures that exist in the liminal space between reality and fantasy. I use both traditional and contemporary techniques—including vivid neon tones, layered textures, and mixed media—to create immersive environments that pulse with energy and symbolic meaning. These alternate ecosystems invite viewers to step outside of the expected and into a world where wonder still reigns.

Professionally, the past year has been a whirlwind. More recently, I’ve been honored to have my work accepted into juried exhibitions across the country—from Oceanside, California to Washington, D.C.—and I now have pieces held in both private and public collections. It’s a humbling and motivating feeling to know that something I created from a place of pure imagination is now part of other people’s lives and spaces.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like most creative paths, it came with plenty of self-doubt, uncertainty, and the uphill climb of learning by doing. I’ve faced the usual hurdles—imposter syndrome, rejection, burnout—but I’ve learned that progress doesn’t always look linear. What kept me going was my love for the process and my deep belief that my voice had value, even if it didn’t fit a mold.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself. When I stopped trying to create what I thought I should and started making what truly excited me, everything shifted. I’ve found a rhythm that feels authentic, imaginative, and bold—and that’s what I want the world to know about my work.

At its core, my brand is about curiosity, courage, and color. It’s about bridging worlds—real and imagined—and giving people a glimpse into something magical, unexpected, and alive. I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where this path leads next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, that’s a great question! Houston is one of the most diverse, underrated cities in the U.S.—a place where world-class art, incredible food, and rich history meet Southern hospitality and quirky charm. Here’s what I’d suggest:

Day 1: Arrival & Tex-Mex Welcome
We’d kick things off with some Houston classics. After picking them up from the airport, we’d head straight to Ninfa’s on Navigation for fajitas and margaritas—the birthplace of Tex-Mex fajitas, and still one of the best. After dinner, we’d stroll along Buffalo Bayou Park, especially around golden hour, when the skyline lights up and the bats under the Waugh Bridge make their dramatic exit at dusk.

Day 2: Art, Murals & Midtown Vibes
As an artist, I’d naturally take them on an art-focused day. We’d start at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)—one of the largest museums in the country—followed by a visit to the Contemporary Arts Museum just across the street. For lunch, we’d stop at Local Foods for something fresh and inventive, and then wander through the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel for some introspection.

In the evening, we’d explore Midtown for its vibrant energy—maybe have dinner at Brennan’s of Houston (hello, Creole cuisine!) and then hop around to a few cocktail bars like Anvil or High & Dry.

Day 3: Outer Worlds & Inner Peace
We’d venture out to Space Center Houston—because you can’t visit Houston without embracing its “Space City” legacy. It’s part museum, part interactive experience, and full of awe. On the way back, we’d stop for a relaxing dinner at Nancy’s Hustle in EaDo—casual, creative, and absolutely delicious.

If we still had energy, we’d grab a nightcap at Eight Row Flint or hang out at Truck Yard, where food trucks, funky decor, and live music make it feel like a backyard party every night.

Day 4: Nature + Neon
We’d start the morning slow with a visit to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, followed by coffee at Boomtown Coffee in the Heights. Then we’d take a deep dive into the quirky side of Houston—visiting the Art Car Museum and The Orange Show, a must-see for lovers of the weird and wonderful.

For dinner, we’d go neon: I’d take them to Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant where bold flavor meets bold design. Afterward, we’d hit Color Factory or Seismique for an immersive, color-soaked art experience—perfect for playful creativity and Instagram-worthy moments.

Day 5: Shop, Stroll, & Show
This would be our “chill but cultured” day. We’d hit up Montrose and Rice Village for boutique shopping, record stores, and vintage treasure hunting. Lunch would be picnic-style at Hermann Park, followed by a visit to the Houston Zoo or McGovern Centennial Gardens.

That night? A show at Miller Outdoor Theatre or The Alley Theatre, depending on what’s playing. Houston’s performing arts scene is just as impressive as its food. We’d cap off the evening with drinks at Lei Low, a cozy tiki bar tucked away in the Heights.

Day 6: Food Tour Frenzy
This would be our foodie day. We’d hit up Pondicheri for Indian fusion brunch, grab afternoon coffee and treats at Tout Suite, and then do a casual food crawl in Chinatown—dumplings, banh mi, bubble tea, the works.

If there’s time, I’d squeeze in a visit to Smither Park, an incredible folk art space full of mosaic magic. Then, if we were feeling fancy, we’d splurge on dinner at Uchi (sushi dreams come true) or do something offbeat like a supper club pop-up or secret speakeasy dinner.

Day 7: Markets, Makers & Goodbyes
On our final day, we’d check out Urban Harvest Farmers Market or First Saturday Arts Market (depending on timing). I’d show them my favorite local makers, artists, and creatives—maybe even sneak in a gallery or two.

Brunch would be at Tiny Boxwoods, with its dreamy garden setting and cinnamon rolls that are basically art. We’d take a final stroll through Discovery Green or The Waterwall for some last photos and reflection before heading to the airport.

Houston is a place that surprises you—it’s got layers. Whether you’re into food, art, science, or just good vibes, there’s always something happening and someone interesting to meet. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling inspired, full, and already planning their next trip back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Dustin, has been supportive of my art journey from day one. He is my number one supporter in everything that I do (and didn’t complain when I turned our home gym into an art studio).

Website: https://www.acdcart.com

Instagram: @ac.dcart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cowdrey-mba-pmp

Image Credits
Dustin Amodeo