Weblight Dreams Studio

Artist Statement

I’m Dora Gonzalez, a surreal portrait artist from South Texas whose work is rooted in personal experience, cultural heritage, and emotional resilience. Using traditional mediums like oil and acrylic, I explore the psychological impact of inner conflict and the emotional struggles we face in the pursuit of authentic self-expression.

Through symbolic imagery, vivid color, and dreamlike realism, my paintings reflect the delicate balance between personal identity and societal pressure. Each piece invites viewers to consider the complexity of modern life—how we define ourselves amid emotional turmoil, and what it truly means to be seen.

My art is both personal and communal: a space to process, question, and heal. It’s an offering to those navigating their own battles—especially from underrepresented or working-class communities—and a reminder that there’s power in sharing our stories.

Educational Background
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley -BFA in Fine Arts, 2018
Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s List 2017-2018

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 2001-2007

Group Exhibitions
2025
956 Women’s Power Group Exhibition, Roosevelt’s at 7, McAllen, TX – April 4–25
Exposed, La Chicharra Studio, Brownsville, TX – March 29–April 23
Cuerpos Desnudos, Run Pony Run Gallery, McAllen, TX – March 7–8
2024–2025
12"x12" ANIMALES Y PAISAJES, Rio Bravo Artes
Mi Vida Loca Gallery, Corpus Christi, TX – Sept 6, 2024
San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, San Benito, TX – 2025
TBD – 2025
2003-2004
TAMUK College Art Group Exhibition, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX
 Juried College Art Group Exhibition Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX

Duo Exhibitions
2025
Women’s History Month Exhibition, Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library,
Alamo, TX – March 1–April 24

Upcoming Group Exhibitions
Evolution, Royal Grocer Gallery, Chicago, IL – May–June 2025
Gradients, UTRGV, Edinburg, TX – 2026

Workshops Led
Drawn to Your Library Painting Workshop, Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library,
Alamo, TX – April 8, 2025
Acrylic Painting Workshop, Sgt. Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library, Alamo, TX –
March 10, 2025

Upcoming Workshops

Summer Beach Scene Painting Class- Sgt Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library, June 2025
All About Clouds Painting Class - Sgt Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library, July 2025
Manga 101 Class- Sgt Fernando De La Rosa Memorial Library, 2025

Workshops Attended
Banner Workshop – Aram Han Sifuentes / UTRGV, September 20, 2024
Open Call Workshop – TruchaRGV, September 12, 2024

Work Experience
2025 – Drawing & Painting Instructor, Dora’s Cozy Art Studio
2019 – Painting Instructor, Tipsy Canvas
2013–2016 – Author & Narrator, BigWorldNetwork2025 – Drawing & Painting Instructor, Dora’s Cozy Art Studio
2011-2012 Card Illustrator for Mango Salute
2003–2004 – Chief Editor, TAMUK Writer's Bloc Literary Magazine

Volunteer Work
2017 – Senior Internship, Office of Texas State Representative District 40, Terry
Canales
2012–2014 – Volunteer & Parent Aid 
2000-2001 AmeriCorps Youth Program

Skills & Proficiencies
Painting & Drawing Media: Oils, acrylics, watercolor, inks, gouache, graphite, and
mixed media collage
Screen printing (hand-pulled, multi-color)
Sculpture (hand-building with various clays)
Studio Practices: Canvas prep, surface priming, and framing
Adobe Photoshop (editing, retouching, color correction)
Book cover design (hand-drawn & digital compositing)
2D animation & storyboarding (traditional & digital tools)

Published Works
Fantasy Coloring Book: Coloring for Adult and Kids Paperback, Self Published, June 29, 2022
Let’s Write a Story – Contributing Author, Collaborative Series, The Monitor, 2020
Rise of the Dragons: Book Two of Severi, BigWorldNetwork, 2014–2015
The Five Kingdoms of Severi: Book One – The Keys of Destiny, Paperback,
BigWorldNetwork, 2014
The Making of a Monster, Cadaverous Magazine Issue 2
Six Word Horror Story, Cadaverous Magazine Issue 2-3
Flash Fiction “A Little Note of Many Meanings,” Daily Love, 2013
Flash Fiction “It was not for me,” In Between Altered States, 2012
Poem “Welcome Back, Darkness,” TAMUK Writer's Bloc Issue, 2004
Poem “Childhood Memories,” TAMUK Writer's Bloc Issue, 2003
Untitled Comic, TAMUK Writer's Bloc Issue, 2003

Publications

Migrant Education Harvest of Hope, La Cosecha, 2001
Who’s Who Among High School Students, 2000

Collections
Private Collection, Pharr, TX
Private Collection, McAllen, TX
Private Collection, Mission, TX
Private Collection, Alamo, TX
Private Collection, Harlingen, TX
Private Collection, Brownsville, TX
Private Collection, Kingsville, TX
Private Collection, Corpus Christi, TX
Private Collection, Austin, TX
Private Collection, Houston, TX
Private Collection, Dallas, TX

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