Artist Bio

Growing up in Southern California, Diane was influenced by Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, Descanso Gardens, and many more areas of art and beauty. Creativity expanded as the mountains, deserts, and the Pacific Ocean enveloped her – cloaked in nature’s art of gorgeous foliage, rustic views and beauty from sand to sky – canvases were created.

Diane began sketching early with charcoal and pencil before moving to acrylic and finally to oils as her medium of choice. A variety of subjects demonstrates a flare for creativity and drama. In 2011, Diane’s painting of “Winter Storm” was chosen for the cover of the book “Bridge of Trouble Waters” by Alexis Powers & Rayford Hammond. Her work has been commissioned and is highly prized.

Diane’ inspiration for the last twenty years has been her daughter Muriel Nicole and this site is dedicated to her memory. “Her expressions and zest for life drive my creativity.”

Muriel was a dancer,  swimmer & runner who cared about safeguarding individuals and nature, believing in the heart of humanity as deeply as in securing safe travel for dolphins. She was a loyal friend, loved deeply her two brothers and a sister, couldn’t wait for an opportunity to spend time with her nieces, nephew, adored her cousins, embraced the sisterhood of her aunts and glowed in the pride of her uncles. Given the nickname “Stoneface” by three of these uncles when she did not want to pose for pictures, Muriel’s laughter would light the room and carry you through the day. She never knew a stranger and gave her mother a lifetime of joy in her short life.

At the time of her death, the Muriel Nicole Bruno Endowment Scholarship was established at her alma mater, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in California. If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship send to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Cal Poly University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 Phone (909) 869-3710.

A lifelong seamstress and designer with two precious pets, Diane will soon launch pet garments and accessories.