Friday, April 24, 2015

Original Mixed Media Painting, "Butterflies Are Free", by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Butterflies Are Free"





This piece is a result of an online workshop called "Animalitos" by artist, Tracy Verdugo.  These types of paintings are really a challenge for me.  Usually I have an idea of where I'm going when I start a painting, but these are really intuitive paintings.  It starts out with bright colors of inks and paints, using symbols and marks that have meaning.  You can see below how this started out.  






Then the idea is to pick out some shapes or forms in the piece....turn it upside down, sideways, etc. to "see" what might be there.  When I was making my marks and symbols, I used a wing stencil.  I began to think that it might make for a pretty butterfly wing.  I honestly couldn't see anything else, which is a major challenge for me in doing this type of work!






So I began blocking out the form of the butterfly.  As soon as I started that, I knew it needed some kind of flower to land on, so I added more beautiful inks in orange and red.  When that dried, I started blocking out some shapes on the wings and flower with india ink and a tiny, tiny brush.  Below is a close up of the finished piece.





The lesson I keep learning in doing these types of paintings is to enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome.  Sort of goes with my intention of living in the moment and enjoying the adventure.  It's crazy what happens when you have no expectations and just let it go!

I am contemplating pouring resin over it so the colors pop even more!  I named the piece "Butterflies Are Free", but I'm not committed to that yet, since this is fresh off the easel.  I may need to think about it a little more, but couldn't wait to share the process with you!  

This little piece is done on an 8X8 gallery wrapped canvas. It is available.  Please contact me with question, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.  I always love to hear from you!





Monday, April 20, 2015

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

Blossom

This is one of my first Mixed Media pieces titled "Blossom". This piece means alot to me - a whirlwind of emotions were poured in and and came out of this one!



I didn't want her to be "realistic", but more "whimsical".  I had a great time creating her.  I used alot of different items to create texture and depth in this piece. Her hair is made out of twine. I glued each individual piece on and painted each strand. Her wings are made out of broken glass. At first, she had dark brown eyes, but they just didn't give the viewer the effect I wanted, so I glazed green iridescent paint over the brown. Her eyes change colors between green and brown, depending on the viewers angle. I used molding paste and painted various papers to add into the composition.

Broken glass added to make "wings".

I decided I needed to add some text to complete my thoughts about this one.  I found some vintage sheet music and tore each individual letter out to complete my phrase.  Some of that old sheet music and lettering is just beautiful and I wanted to capture that.  The text reads, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to Blossom."
  

Text from vintage sheet music.
The piece was completed with a resin coating, which made the colors and textures "pop".  It turned out to be a beautiful piece.


The original piece is sold, but prints are available in various sizes. View more of my work at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-donna-martin.html

For questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at: saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

"Grace Transcendent", Original Mixed Media Painting, by Donna L. Martin

"Grace Transcendent"


This is an original mixed media painting that was a result of an online class by artist Kate Thompson called "Fractured Angels".  I was so nervous, taking an online class, but I ended up loving it.

Below is a photo of the "work in progress".


This painting was done on a 1.5" deep cradle board and measures 20 X 20.  It was created using acrylics, inks, paper, plaster, stencils, and molding paste.  She is finished and available to purchase.  Please send me a quick email if you have questions, comments, or are interested in purchasing.  I would love to hear from you!