Daniel Xiao draws inspiration from nature. He started out as a photographer. He traveled widely, seeking every possible opportunity to take pictures. His subject matters include flowers, plants, trees, wildlife, seashores, hills or other elements from the nature's own wealth of imagery. His visual exploration was greatly enriched in mid-2000s, when he became acquainted with Mr. Xinsheng Wang in Houston Texas, an internationally known artist. Daniel observed how Mr. Wang painted and was amazed at his power to turn an object into a great art piece on canvas. Daniel later became Mr. Wang's student.

The use of brush offered him a new way of expression. When he paints, Daniel lets the intuition guide his brushes. The touch of colors or lines depends on the inner perceptions as they emerge in the painting process. The result sometimes could be surprising, even to the painter himself.

One of his favorite techniques is the use of contrast, which may help to bring the focal point to attention. The red color as in the "umbrella girl" and the "red boat" are two examples of such. His favorite subject matter is landscape. Once or twice a year, Daniel would re-visit the Texas Hill Countries to recharge himself by seeking inspirations among what he calls the Texas elements - cactus, rocks, mountains, open skies, cattle and so on. Oil and acrylic are his preferred medium. Daniel does realistic works but he seems to paint more by using an impressionism-like technique. He loves to create mood or other effects through suggestive treatment. Sometimes less is more - this old saying may sound truer in the realms of painting.  

Some of the "First Place" that Daniel received from juried Shows:
Cardinal, 1st place, BVAL juried show, Spring, 2009
A Red Boat, 1st place, BVAL juried show, Fall, 2008
Cactus, 1st place, BVAL juried show, Fall, 2006
The Umbrella Girl, 1st place, BVAL juried show, Spring, 2006

The selected juries shows include:
2009/December - Artisan Showcase, College Station Art Center.
2009/Oct. - "Fall in Texas", a selected work featured at KAMU (PBS)
2009/Fall - Co-exhibition in Art Step - Bryan, Texas
2009/May - Lone Start Art Guild Convention Show, College Station , Texas
2009/Spring - Brazos Valley Art League Juried Show, Art Center, College Station.
2008-09 - Co-exhibition in Medical Center and Real Estate Center, College Station.
2008/Fall - Brazos Valley Art League Juried Show, Art Center, College Station.
2007/Fall - Co-exhibiting with Barbara Gholson, College Station Conference
2007/Spring Brenham - Art League Juried Show, Brenham Museum , Brenham , Texas                  
2007/Spring Brazos Valley Art League Juried Show, Art Center, College Station
2006/Fall Brazos Valley Art League Juried Show, Art Center, College Station
2006 Lone Start Art Guild Convention Show, Conroe , Texas
2006/Spring Brazos Valley Art League Juried Show, Art Center, College Station
2005 Student Works Show, Wang, Xingsheng Art Studio, Houston , Texas