They were never meant to be cute or sweet.

The Original Gentle Warrior came to life in a moment when I felt like the world had swallowed me whole. I remember that cold season vividly. I felt so lost and powerless, broken and tragically misunderstood. That feeling was unfortunately quite familiar to me, but this time I felt like I was carrying more than I was able. I created that mighty female-figure out of desperation and as my declaration, a reminder of who I really was—or maybe who I longed to be again.

Process of Gentle Warrior Custom Fine Art Painting by Danielle Duer (photo by Beth Rose Photography)

The Gentle Warrior was not for the faint of heart, and not all that unfamiliar either. She wasn’t just me—she was my mother, my grandmother, my neighbor, my best friends. She carried the weight of countless stories, shaped by unspeakable heartbreak. She represented the strength in the ugliest moments, and the emergance on the other side—scarred, but incredibly alive.

As a visual artist, I needed to see this figure in front of me. I needed to see myself honestly, not as broken but as resilient, capable, and whole. I wanted to make sense of things, to literally reshape my story through art.

She became the first of many Gentle Warriors.

I began sharing these paintings, and I never imagined how many of you would reach out to share your stories… your secret struggles, your quiet triumphs—it has been humbling to hear them. I don’t think I can ever truly express how much it means to know these Warriors have brought you comfort, strength, and hope. To know they are helping you see your best self again too, is a such an enormous gift to me.

After years of creating these figures, I wanted to incorporate more symbolism. I crowned them with large monumental headpieces intended to emphasize the significant heft of their impossible burdens, their endless responsibilities and also their profound intellect, wisdom, empathy and love. Their faces became canvases tattooed with dots and lines, marks of battles and scars, emblems of courage, compassion and grace. These creations were never meant to be sweet or cute. They were always intentionally raw, powerful, and full of purpose…for dreamers, feelers and sensitive souls, who know what it means to endure and are brave enough to carry themselves, and often others, along the way.

The Whimsical Explorer - from the Travel Companions Collection by Danielle Duer

I have been working on new ways to expand these stories.

Here are a few of them:

The Gentle Warriors - Travel Companions Collection :

A collection of 12 fierce, extraordinary little messengers.
Each one is a 4x4 art print on luxurious linen, encased in a freestanding lucite block, signed, named and declaring it’s own powerful, poetic message.
These messages are not shallow pats on the back, they are meant to offer recognition, validation and connection.
They invite you to look closer—to find beauty even on the most painful roads. They nudge you to take time to look up, to notice the constant and the dependable. These poems are about finding strength—in prayer, in God, in love, and in each other. They are about real encouragement, the kind that reaches past the surface and touches the soul.
I wanted them to be more honest than a greeting card. That’s the heart of these companions. They are for people like us—people searching for something more.

I hope you love them.

I hope they encourage you.

And I hope you’ll want to share them—with friends who need a reminder that they are not alone in this life, no matter how heavy their burdens feel.

Maybe you’ll want just one. Maybe you’ll want them all.

Whatever you choose, these aren’t just art pieces—they are keepsakes, little companions to sit beside you and boldly whisper, “Keep going—you’ve got this.”

The Featherheart - from the Travel Companions Collection by Danielle Duer

Custom Brave Girl Portrait Illustrations :

For those who dare to dream, for those who rise despite their scars, I invite you to capture the rare, untamed beauty of someone bold and extraordinary.

Custom Brave Girl Portrait Illustrations with your choice between

8x10 Flat Canvas Art Board = ($200)
11x14Flat Canvas Art Board = ($250)

Each piece is crafted with love and intention, to honor the fierce spirit of a brave woman or girl you admire. She is strong yet tender, wise but ever-evolving, fierce yet vulnerable—an incredible soul embracing her imperfections as she journeys through each day.

This is for the dreamers, the risk-takers, and those who stumble then begin again. It is for those who love deeply, who support one another, and who are forging their own paths with courage and grace. Whether it’s for a mother, a daughter, or for the radiant warrior within yourself—this is a celebration of her unstoppable strength and her boundless potential.

This is a modern illustration of one specific female inspired by a photo / image you will upload after ordering.

Custom Brave Girl Portrait Illustration by Danielle Duer

Custom Gentle Warrior Fine Art Paintings

At the heart of my work lies commissioned storytelling—creating visual narratives that celebrate your unique journey.

Gentle Warrior paintings are deeply personal, one-of-a-kind artworks that symbolize strength, resilience, and love.

Whether honoring a powerful female figure, a mother, or a transformative moment, these paintings become cherished heirlooms of triumph and grace.

Each piece is a collaboration. Through a reflective process, you’ll answer a series of thoughtful questions, helping me uncover the emblems and symbols that make your story come alive on canvas. These are among my most meaningful creations, and I’m honored to transform your story into a visual celebration of life’s challenges, victories, and love.

Pricing:

Each painting is meticulously crafted, starting at $350 per square foot, with a minimum investment of $1,000.

Here are some favorite sizes and their corresponding prices:

• 18” x 24” (3 sq. ft.) = $1,050

• 24” x 24” (4 sq. ft.) = $1,400

• 30” x 30” (6.25 sq. ft.) = $2,188

• 30” x 40” (8.33 sq. ft.) = $2,916

Custom sizes are available - let’s talk it over. I’d love to connect.

Payment Options:

To make this investment more accessible, payments are typically divided into 2 or 3 installments, depending on the size.

Begin Your Story:

Message me for more details or to start your custom Gentle Warrior painting today.

Let’s create a timeless work of art that honors this journey and becomes a treasured celebration of life.

This Gentle Warrior Fine Art Painting
This piece was created to celebrate the extraordinary life of Josephine—a true force of nature. Commissioned in her memory, the painting captures her fierce spirit, love for the sea, and cherished connections to the natural world.
Josephine’s essence shines through every detail:
• Her love of nature and flowers is reflected in vibrant, symbolic elements.
• Her deep bond with her husband is tenderly represented by butterflies, a motif of transformation and love.
• Personal touches, like the texture of sweaters she once wore, are subtly incorporated, adding layers of meaning.
• The shimmering glass beads, reminiscent of salt crystals, evoke the beauty and spirit of the ocean, where her memory now rests.
This artwork, measuring 48” x 60”, was a deeply meaningful project. I had the honor of delivering it to her family in Vero Beach, where it became a centerpiece for Josephine’s celebration of life. Sharing her story and explaining how her spirit was woven into this painting was a humbling and unforgettable experience.
**This is what Gentle Warrior Fine Art Paintings are all about: honoring stories of strength, resilience, and love through deeply personal, one-of-a-kind artworks.**

I could not do this without you.

Your support allows me to create these heartfelt reminders of love and togetherness, sending them out into a world that desperately needs more grace and compassion.

In our honest humanity, there is beauty—showing up for one another when words fall short, and gestures mean everything.

Each piece is made with you in mind—just as I would create for my dearest friends when they’re hurting and all I have left to give is love, hope, and a small offering to say:

“I see you. I’m here.

Thank you for allowing me to create and share this work. Thank you for helping me send these little warriors into the world, spreading resilience and connection wherever they go.

Order Your Gentle Warrior - Travel Companions here.

Order Your Custom Brave Girl Illustrated Portrait here.

Message me here to start a conversation about a painting that tells a very special story.

With all my heart,

Danielle Duer

About the Gentle Warriors

They were never meant to be cute or sweet.