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

Hi Gabriella, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
The first quote, “Remember to live and may I never shrink from my purpose,” reminds us to live life to the fullest and stay committed to our goals, even in the face of doubt or past failures. It encourages us to embrace our true selves and cherish the present moment, drawing strength from our faith.

The second quote, “Everyone must choose one of the two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret,” emphasizes the importance of making choices that lead to self-improvement and growth. It compels us to choose the discomfort of discipline over the lasting pain of regret, motivating us to pursue our goals with dedication and perseverance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my years as an artist, I’ve always found myself trying to convey a hidden truth through my art. The good, the bad, the vibrantly colorful, and the uncomfortably raw define my work. My specialty lies in creating portraits, with people and animals as my primary subjects. My muse is usually inspired by other forms of art. A subtle nod to my source of inspiration while still uniquely making it my own. My creative journey is heavily influenced by music, spirituality, Afro and Latin cultures, and pop culture. Particularly music is so essential to the creative process. Painting without music is impossible for, it’s as vital as the physical act of creating. With every brushstroke, music guides my creative process, serving as the energy that fuels each piece. Music infuses my art with a unique rhythm and emotion, making it an integral part of my creative journey. My chosen mediums are charcoal, pencil, makeup, and acrylic paint. Most of my pieces draw inspiration from personal experiences and the stages of my life, navigating through the complexities of womanhood, trauma, and the sheer experience of being alive. Each artwork is a conversation, a testament to my existence. In essence, I create art to reassure my soul that I am listening. My artwork doesn’t aim for realistic or literal depictions of past events; instead, they offer subjective, personal interpretations, inviting viewers to explore their own memories and emotions. Through my artwork, I hope to capture the complexity of such emotions and experiences, sparking introspection and understanding in the hearts of those who engage with it. My artist motivations extend beyond the need to untangle the chaos within my mind and soul. I aspire to reach far beyond local art shows and state galleries; I aim to have my work recognized and sought after by art enthusiasts worldwide. I want my art to leave a legacy, an indelible mark on the world, and that can only happen when I’m authentically me, creating as I create, and being as I am. Life is too beautiful to be anyone else, and my art is a testament to this truth.

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.
Farmers Market Spa Castle
Frisco Roughriders
Chandor Gardens
Botanical Gardens
Dallas Museum of Art
Psychedelic Robot
Modern Art Museum
XOXO Dining Room
Bourbon Banter
Pour Decisions
The Shops at Clearfork

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since I was a child. My family has always supported my art. The encouragement and support that I have received from my family. Is almost indescribable how grateful I am to have them in life. My mother and my sister are always cheering for my success and are always putting in efforts that go above and beyond not only in my career but in my life. Their beauty and their love are a major source of my inspiration and strength. The love I receive from my family is pure and I am divinely blessed to have such powerful beautiful women in my life. My vision of success is not without their presence. I cherish my family deeply and they deserve more than a little credit, they deserve the world.

Instagram: gabriellasmundodecolor

Other: TIKTOK @gabriellasmundodecolor

Image Credits
Dawn Gerba

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.