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My first introduction to Daniel was a private viewing in 1971 of what I still consider today to be his most important painting “OLYMPIAN LIGHT”. The eloquent narration by Daniel of his introduction to Lawrence of Arabia paraphrases this spiritual experience. “Transported” was indeed the effect of this painting and I have never recovered from the experience. Instead I went on to acquire twenty-one additional Daniel originals and at the same time rekindled our eternal brotherhood. My dedication to the soul and art of Daniel motivated a desire to embrace and to emulate his paintings. This was initiated by the creation of Obiarts Inc., a production company dedicated to graphical renditions. The initial efforts were conducted in Britain utilizing the expertise of Studio 82 and the Renoir press. In the early 80's, computerized color separations were not available so that this was accomplished manually. Significant input of time and effort by the artist was required which enhanced the credibility of the signed lithographs.

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Monthly trans-Atlantic trips were made by me so as to ensure success of the project. Daniel and I monitored each step of production which ultimately resulted in the highest quality of reproductions never before achieved by any experienced American lithographer. The project was started in 1982 and completed in 1985. After the final touches which included production of an archival quality portfolio, story pages presented in Grecian caligraphy and supportive documents, the premiere presentation occurred in New York. Lord Charles Churchill sponsored this gala event as Daniel's official patron in November of 1986. In attendance were dignitaries including Donald and Ivana Trump, Este Lauder, princess Von Furstenberg and Gladys Nederlander. The show was a smashing success and was featured in “W” magazine, USA Today, the New York Times, New York Daily News and other major publications.

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In 1988, almost twenty years after his first heart attack, Daniel succumbed to his second heart attack. He remains with me and all of the world with his art and spirit which are eternal. And so Daniel returned to his night's sleep “to rejoin the unseen ones, the friends and dear ones, of lifetimes ago who have always comforted him”. And likewise I shall always remain a dear friend of Daniel's in this earthly mission as custodian of his creations. In writing and publishing this book of Daniel's stories and pictures, my only goal is to share with you the spirit and wonder of this great artist. Daniel paints with the techniques of the old masters and the pre-Raphaelites but narrates his classical stories in a surreal fashion. As “the friends of lifetimes ago” savored the magical world of Daniel, so will you when you view and read the classical dramas enacted in this tribute to one of the greatest artists of this century.

Lewis J. Obi, MD, FRSA