"Humble Beginnings", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Humble Beginnings"

 

 

This piece was created because of my Brother.  He's followed me along on this "journey" and has seen and commented on many of my pieces.  He told me that I should paint "BIG".  This painting is a result of that effort!  It seemed like it took me forever.  I stressed over it, then enjoyed it, then questioned everything about it.  This is the end result. 

 

I thought about this painting as a "beginning" of sorts.  By that I thought about symbolizing a young couple starting their own family.  In another new beginning of sorts, It could  symbolize a new beginning as an "empty nester".  Both of those scenarios are big, huge, sometimes scary, unknown adventures.  Both are humbling, full of learning and experiencing a new season in life.  For a new family, it's full of anticipation and expectation.  For a family with children leaving home, it could be grieving and figuring out how to parent in a different way.  It's hard to watch your babies leave the nest and make a new life on their own.  The couple expecting a new baby has to learn how to remain a couple when times are hard and their focus is no longer solely on each other.  The couple letting go of grown children have to relearn how to be a couple, yet still find their own individual paths.  Needless to say, it's complicated.

 

Close up of Leaves and Texture Detail

 

Close up of Nest

 

The nest is made from Pine Needles and a stencil.  It was not easy gluing all of these tiny little needles on to the canvas, but I sure do like how it turned out. 

 

Detail of the Aspen Trees

 

Even though life is complicated and there are different seasons, we can always look forward to new beginnings.  I've learned that even when things come to an end, it signifies the beginning of something else.  We just have to be open to whatever is next. Life is always an adventure, so let's learn to enjoy the journey and see where it takes us!

This painting was created with painted papers, stencils, pine needles, vintage sheet music, and of course, layers and layers of paint!  It measures 36X36 and is on gallery wrapped canvas.  It is finished with a resin coating, which makes the colors "pop" and eliminates the need for framing.  This piece comes ready to hang.

For comments, questions, or if you are interested in purchasing, please email me at:
saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/donnamartinfineart

“Fly”, Original Mixed Media Artwork by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 "Fly"

 

 

 

 

"Flying" and being brave seems to be my "theme" for the year.  This whole new adventure, painting in mixed media, has been born out of a tragedy.  It has evolved out of trying to heal and explore what works for me in the healing process. 

 

In this new journey, I have been trying to push myself and my art.  I've been finding my voice, for the first time, through my art and what it says.  I seem to be connecting to people through my art...and no words seem to be necessary.  All of the emotions in my heart and soul spill out on to the canvas.  

 

This piece has several layers in it.  I used stencils at the very beginning and then began layering torn and painted pieces of paper over the stenciled areas.  I used a stencil and molding paste to add more texture.  I then added a photo transfer of the butterfly and painted over her body and wings.  In this piece I wanted to convey the feeling that the butterfly is flying towards the light, which is how I was feeling.  I also added a glass door pull in the middle of the piece - just because I loved it and it felt like the piece needed it.

 

I have always been extremely shy and I'm not very good with words, so this is an amazing way for me to be able to say what I'm not able to.  It is scary, "putting it out there" for people to see.  I wonder if people will get it, or relate to it, or judge it.  But, this is the year to be brave and just do it.  So, I will continue in this journey.  I will try to be "Fearless" and "Fly".

 

"Fly"

 

12 X 12 X 1.5  Mixed Media on Cradle Board.  It is heavily textured with layers and layers of paint, paper, and molding paste.  The middle of the piece is embellished with a glass door pull.  It is finished with a Resin Coating ~ No need to frame, unless you would like to do so.

 

$140

 

Feel free to contact me at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from you!

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

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