About the Artist

A Love for Symbolism and Story

Hi, I’m Drea Hoban—painter, graphic designer, art instructor, maker, and nature lover. I find beauty in the small things: the shimmer of an insect wing, the emotion in a burst of color, and the quiet unfolding of a story across a canvas.

I paint primarily in oil and acrylic, and would describe my signature style as Surreal Symbolism with bold colors, elements of Expressive Realism, and a touch of Dalí-esque distortion.

My paintings blend figurative surrealism with personal mythology—recurring symbols and visual themes drawn from my own memories, emotions, and life experiences—to tell stories of transformation, conflict, and self-discovery that often feel like vivid scenes from a dream or memory. I explore the emotional and spiritual landscape through natural elements like fire, water, insects, and wings—paired with symbolic forms such as hands, ladders, and figures in motion.

Visually, my work features vibrant palettes, high contrast, and smooth, well-blended brushwork, clean and deliberate. Influenced by Salvador Dalí, I bend reality: figures may stretch, twist, or float in emotionally charged spaces, defying logic in favor of deeper meaning. Through this lens, I invite viewers to reflect on their own inner worlds—question what they see and uncover meaning beneath the surface.

Rooted in Childhood Curiosity

My creative spirit was shaped early by my parents—especially my mother, who was also artistic. She and I would paint, craft, and explore together, spending many hours observing, collecting, and classifying insects. That time in nature deeply influenced the way I see—and paint—the world, and insects are often incorporated into my work. Those childhood years were also filled with art classes, sports, music, and dance lessons—all of which nurtured my imagination and shaped the sense of movement and energy that now flows through my work.

My father, though not an artist himself, was equally supportive. He often took us to art festivals and studio tours throughout Wisconsin—something we still enjoy. Those weekends wandering through tents filled with paintings, pottery, and sculpture instilled in me a love for the creative community and the desire to share my own art.

My Professional Path

I earned degrees in Studio Art and Graphic Design from Carthage College, then spent over a decade in Illinois as a graphic designer and manager at a marketing and promotions company. That career built my foundation in visual storytelling and sharpened my eye for detail—skills that continue to support my art practice today.

When that company closed during COVID in 2020, a new chapter began. I stepped away from corporate work to focus on my personal art—freelancing in design, deepening my digital marketing skills, and teaching as a paint instructor. Around that time, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her changing perception began to influence my own. My painting, Fragmented Reality (shown above), was created during this period—illustrating how changes in my personal world shape the work I create.

A Full Circle 

Since then, I’ve gotten married, started a family, and moved back to Wisconsin. I’m now a stay-at-home mom to my energetic, imaginative daughter and help care for my mother. These days, I often lead simple art projects for both my mom and toddler—completing a circle I never expected to walk. It reminds me how art connects us—especially when words fall short.

Sharing my love of art with others has reignited my passion to create. It also led to the launch of my art shop, Dragonfly Dzine, LLC, where you can find original paintings, prints, and merchandise. The dragonfly symbolizes transformation, growth, and the beauty of becoming—qualities I see in both my art and my journey.

An Invitation to Connect

Whether you discovered me through a painting, a class, or a moment of shared experience—thank you. I’m so glad you’re here. I hope my art sparks something in you: curiosity, emotion, inspiration. If something you’ve seen or read resonates, I’d love to connect. Explore my work, reach out, or simply share what moved you.