I’m Daniel Waterston, an artist from Sunderland, UK. I also work as a freelance illustrator, animator, and musician — but over the past few years, I’ve followed my passion for abstract painting. Most of my work is rooted in deeply personal moments, especially the travels and experiences I’ve shared with my wife — my inspiration, best friend, and biggest supporter.

When I paint, I’m not trying to replicate a scene or likeness. I’m trying to bottle up a feeling. My goal isn’t to create a landscape, but to translate how that place felt: its smells, sounds, textures, and emotions. I want to put a part of myself on the canvas. 

Sometimes that means just making something beautiful — but often it means tapping into something harder to name.

That’s where my abstract mantra comes from:

“Stop trying to paint a thing.”

Each piece is a translation of a memory, and while many are tied to specific personal stories, that’s not where the meaning ends. One of the things I love most about abstract art is its openness — you don’t need to know what I felt. You’re free to bring your own interpretation. The same painting can mean something completely different to each person who sees it — and that’s kind of magic.

I hope this goes some way as to explain my purpose with this artwork, and above all else…I hope you enjoy looking at it. x