“Creativity can be cultivated at any stage of life.”
Diane Via is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began later in life, following a career as a computer programmer. Unlike many artists, she did not grow up immersed in art and once found the creative process intimidating.
Through the lens
Her path into the arts began through photography, sparked by time spent shooting alongside her husband. What started with an iPhone quickly evolved into a dedicated practice, earning recognition in online competitions as well as exhibitions and publications around the world.
The shift to canvas
While exhibiting her photography locally, Diane experienced a turning point when another artist asked to paint one of her images. That moment inspired her to explore painting herself. After experimenting with online courses and tutorials, she committed to formalizing her skills and is now studying in the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program.
A diverse portfolio
Her current body of work reflects an intentional period of focused learning, making her portfolio uniquely diverse. It includes structured study pieces created for the program using curated institute references to build technical skills, alongside early work from before she began formal studies. It also features personal independent paintings and the original photography that inspired her journey into fine art.
Finding her voice
Diane embraces the reality that she is still discovering and refining her artistic voice. As her technical foundation grows stronger through the Mastery Program, she looks forward to increasingly incorporating her own photographic references into her paintings, translating observed moments from behind the lens into expressive painted works.
A philosophy of growth
“Diane’s journey reflects her belief that it is never too late to begin. Her evolving body of work—spanning photography, drawing, and painting—serves as a testament to the idea that creativity is not an exclusive gift, but a practice that can be cultivated at any stage of life through curiosity and dedication.”