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

"Surrender"

This is an original mixed media painting, just completed.  I had started with the background and had no idea what to do for the focal point.  I sat with this piece for a few days before I added the hummingbird.  At the time, it was just a few days before the hummingbirds in our yard were gone for the season and I wanted to remember them this year.  I was also contemplating how so many of my family and friends are in the midst of quite a few challenges this year.  I wanted this painting to symbolize love, joy, truth, and resilience.  A spirit of surrendering to the moment, not giving up, but accepting the challenges and facing them with grace and fortitude. 

This painting will be available in an upcoming Facebook auction I am participating in.  Each month, our group donates 20% of our sales to a worthwhile charity or cause.  I would love it if you would check it out!  It's a great way to own a piece of original artwork while at the same time "paying it forward" and making a positive difference.  The link to our group is:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/541216752946993/

You can also find more of my work at:

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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"Be Still", Original Abstract Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Be Still"

This little 8 X 8 abstract is fresh off the easel.  There's alot going on in this painting, but for me, it's a simple reminder that sometimes we just have to "be still".

This painting is available.  It is currently on exhibit at the Manitou Art Center in Manitou Springs, CO.

Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments!

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"There is Always Light", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

There is Always Light

Well, this one was a wild ride!  This is fresh off the easel and for a while, it was a true ugly duckling.  I decided to walk...no run, out of my comfort zone and use colors that I don't usually use.  The photo below is the beginning of the process, using stencils and collage, and then trying to tone it down with some titanium white.

After this, I added texture around the piece using molding paste and stencils, layering one stencil over the other so it wouldn't look so "contrived".  After it was dry, I began adding inks...in colors that I wouldn't normally use.  I used a purple ink that had just a small amount of shimmer to it.  It was very, very bright and I needed to tone it down again.  After the "wild colors" had dried, I added sepia ink over the whole piece...several times.

At this stage, I was pretty sure I had ruined it, but what happened next was pretty amazing.  The colors started showing through the sepia ink in the most beautiful way.  It still had a beautiful and translucent quality to it, but the ink toned it down and gave it so much more depth.

I decided to add trees, since I have been created a series based on trees.  I added the trees with the same color inks that I used in the background and added some tiny, white branches in some areas.  The texture came out beautifully too...you can see it in these close up photos.

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This painting is full of emotion.  We just found out that my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Everything about that at this point is unknown.  When I don't know what to do, I paint.  It's the only way I know how to express myself sometimes.  It's ironic that I "didn't know" about how beautiful these colors would turn out...just diving in and trusting the process.  I feel like with my dad, I just have to have the same kind of trust and faith.  Heading on into the unknown and looking for the beauty in each, single, precious moment and never taking any of it for granted.

This painting will be available at Art in the Park in Parker, CO on August 25th and 26th from 10:00 - 4:00.  Also, at the Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, CO on Sept. 8th and 9th from 10:00 - 5:00.  I would love to see you there.  Meanwhile, keep looking for the light!

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

"Stand by Me"

This is one of my latest paintings in my series of tree paintings.  It was created using layers of hand-painted papers, acrylic paints, and acrylic inks.  So many hours were spent on the trees and trying to create sort of an ethereal feel and look to this one.  Here is a photo of how this one began and the progress:

This painting will be available for purchase during a couple of art shows I am participating in this year.  The first is in Parker, CO, Art in the Park, on August 25th and 26th from 10:00 - 4:00.  The second show is the Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, CO on Sept. 8th and 9th from 10:00 - 5:00.  I would love to see you there!  In the meantime, feel free to send me an email, or follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

  

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

Winter Day

This little painting is fresh off the easel.  It was created with hand-painted papers, inks, and acrylic paints.  It has a dreamy, luminescent quality because of all the layers and glazing of paint.

This one measures 8 X 8 and is finished with a simple, black floater frame.  It is available.  Feel free to send me an email for questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or check out my website.

“The Road Less Traveled”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"The Road Less Traveled"

The finished piece!

I had been wanting to create an elephant in mixed media for quite a while.  I have been admiring Tracy Verdugo's work and I love the elephants that she creates, so that was the inspiration for this piece.  I was actually fortunate enough to be attend one of her workshops a couple of years ago...it was magical!  

This is how it started.  I gessoed a piece of 20 X 20 cradle board.  Then I added texture with molding paste and stencils.  I also added some molding paste to the elephant's trunk and head.  I had some textured paper that I love and decided to add some of that to her ears.  I then gessoed over the molding paste and the paper on her ears.

Here you can see I started adding some paint.  I used Golden's Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold and Burnt Orange.  I'm all about the Turquoise lately, so I threw that in too.

Now for the scary part...starting on the elephant.  I had her sketched out and I started adding some paint.  I mixed Paynes Gray, White, and Anthraquinone Blue, and a little of the Turquoise to get a blue-gray color.  I wanted her to tie in with my background.  It needed more darks, so I added some Van Dyke Brown.

Here I started adding some of the Van Dyke Brown to the textured area in the middle.  I didn't want it to be one solid brown color, so I added some water to fade out some of the brown tones in the middle of the texture.

This part of the piece had me stumped for days and days.  I could not figure out what color to do the bottom of this piece.  It had such nice, nice texture from using the stencil and I didn't want to mess it up.  Finally, I gave in and told myself "who cares if I mess it up, I'm just doing what I like".  So, there again, I used Turquoise and smudged in some of the Anthraquinone Blue.

I had some gorgeous, gorgeous paper that tied into the colors behind my little elephant.  I tore out a border and added it directly under the brown textured border for a pop of color and to tie in with my background.

I also felt like the bottom of this needed to be distressed and not so "in your face" with the blues.  I took some alcohol ink and some of the Van Dyke brown and punched it in under the paper border.  Then I hit it with a spray bottle of water to make it run into the blue.  Fun!!  

So just when I think I'm done, done, my husband, who is an Engineer by the way, takes a look at her.  He points out that her head is too much of a globe shape and that her tusk was going in the wrong direction.  As much as I hate to admit it, he was totally right.  Had to make some slight changes, but here she is.  She is all finished and I LOVE HER!  The only thing left to do is finish her off with resin.

I titled this piece "The Road Less Traveled" because that's how I want to live my life.  I never want to be afraid to take risks and take chances...sort of what I did with this piece.  It can be scary for sure, but let go and see where it takes you. You may totally surprise yourself!

This piece is sold, but please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments.  I would love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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"Today I Choose to Be a Light", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Today I Choose to Be a Light"

This is the latest in my little series.  The title is, "Today I Choose to Be a Light".  I've been pondering the thought that every day we can choose our attitudes towards others and towards life in general.  This is the thought I chose for today.  I'm not perfect, but how can I be a light for others?  Can I extend a kind word, look at someone and smile, acknowledge someone and look them in the eye without just brushing past them?  Today I will make that effort and do my best.

This little painting is 8 X 8, framed in a simple black floater frame.  It is available.  Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments. 

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"Make Memories", Original Encaustic/Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Make Memories

This is my latest Encaustic/Mixed Media piece.  The background was done with layers of hand-painted papers and inks.  The trees were created with acrylic ink, as were the leaves around the trunks.  After the encaustic wax was added, I scraped in additional branches and marks.

I decided to add these words to it, "make memories".  I see so many people on their phones and just not making connections face to face anymore...truth be told, myself included.  Even at events, vacations, or something as simple as spending time with family, some moments, some memories, are lost because we are trying to capture it in a photo on our phones.  I wanted to remind myself not to take these moments for granted, to actually live it and cherish the memory of it.

This piece is available.  It is a small, 8 X 8, that I've framed in a simple, black floater frame.  Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions, comments, or are interested in purchasing.  

Today, I encourage you to live in the moment and make memories!

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"The Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

The Circle of Life

I can finally share this piece!  I think it's become one of my favorites.  This was a commission piece for my husband's sweet Aunt.  She loves butterflies and she had seen another piece that I had completed last year and asked if I would create something along the same lines for her.  Although this didn't turn out to be an exact replica of the piece I created before, I love this one even more.  It is lighter and more luminescent than the other was.  I added 5 butterflies representing her "original family".  Now, the family has evolved and transformed, with the blessing of grandchildren and spouses.  I feel like this painting symbolizes the evolution of life...how it can change and become even more beautiful than we ever dreamed possible.

I used a vintage handkerchief for the background.  I also added some spackling paste for texture and depth.

I added various paints and inks.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax to give it that dreamy effect.

This painting has found its way home, but I am open to commissions.  Feel free to contact me at: 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also check out my website:  www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook to see my latest work and works in progress!

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"Today I Choose Joy", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Today I Choose Joy

This little painting is the latest in a series I'm working on.  I was thinking about how amazing it is that we have the opportunity to actually choose our attitudes, every day, and we get to choose how to deal with our individual situations.  This painting symbolizes how I was feeling on this particular day and how I decided to "choose joy".  I'm hoping it brings the viewer some joy when looking at it!

This painting was created with many different layers of hand-painted papers, acrylic paints, and acrylic inks.  This painting is sold, but commissions are available.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you.  

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"These are the Moments", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

These Are the Moments

“Paradise has never been about places.  It exists in moments.  In connection.  In flashes across time.” – Victoria Erickson

Seems like in this life, we get those rare and beautiful moments of just pure joy.  I was reminiscing about one of those beautiful moments when I created this painting.  I embedded a photo that I took off the coast of Oregon into the background.  I embellished it with paints and inks and added another small tree.  The background also has a portion of an old deed embedded into it along with some fabric and painted papers.  The whole piece was then finished with a layer of encaustic wax.

This painting is sold, but commissions are available.  Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments!

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"Peace Among the Trees", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Peace Among the Trees"

This is my newest piece.  It was created after learning about a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with a devastating form of cancer.  Sometimes, after news like that, there are no words.  There was and is so much emotion and so many stages of "grief" after getting the news.  My friend is strong and courageous.  Her roots are planted deep and she will fight this with all she has.  She is walking through this battle with grace and fortitude.  She is truly my hero and my inspiration.  

 

This piece was created with may layers of painted papers, paints, and inks.

It was finished with a layer of beautiful, dreamy, encaustic wax.

This is a small 8 X 8 piece, which I have finished with a simple black floater frame.  It is available.  You can send me an email here with any questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

You can check out more of my work at www.donnamartinfineart.com

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"Legend of the Tree", Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting by Donna L. Martin

Legend of the Tree

This painting is fresh off the easel.  It has rich texture created with papers, paints, and stamps.  The words in the painting are blurred, offering the viewer a little mystery and suggesting that they take their best guess as to what they are saying.  

This painting was created as a gift for a very special friend, but commissions are welcome.  I would love to hear from you with any questions or comments.  You can send me a message at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

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"In the Midst", Original Abstract Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"In the Midst"

This painting is finally done...fresh off the easel.  I've been challenging myself with creating abstract art lately.  It has really been a challenge, but I am loving every minute of it.  This was actually created because I didn't like the elements of the whole painting, but in pieces, it began to come together to form a cohesive piece that.  When I had finished the layout and composition, I began to wonder what would happen if I added a layer of encaustic wax over the entire piece...why not?  The result was dreamy and a little mysterious. 

I know so many friends and family that are going through difficult times. In creating this piece, I was feeling as if the in the midst of chaos or confusion, small pieces of even those difficult moments can all come together to create something beautiful.   Sometimes, the only thing that makes sense is taking the small, beautiful, and the unexpected fragments that life throws our way and finding a way to piece them together.  Finding acceptance in the peace of these moments and to extending a bit of gratitude for them.  Sometimes, these are the only things that keep us moving forward and carrying on.

This piece is 12 X 12.  It is available.  Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions or comments.

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“Fearless Soul”, Original Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Fearless Soul

It was a cold and snowy day...actually a blizzard!  They called a "snow day" at my "day job", so what's a girl to do?  Jump up and down, sing and dance because there is time to paint!  And what a perfect day!

So in all that joy, this little warrior showed up.  This little encaustic was done with lots of layers.  It has tissue paper, paint, part of an old deed from the early 1900's, plaster, ink, and of course wax.  I got to use my Stencil Girl Stencil for her face.  She looks very determined, very fearless, thus the title, "Fearless Soul".

This little, bold painting is sold, but commissions are welcome!  Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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

"Becoming"

This little, chubby bird was created with painted papers, inks, stencils, and acrylic paint.  It has multiple layers.  On the first layer, I wrote words or "values", such as compassion, grace, and kindness.  These values represent more of who I want to become, thus the name of the piece.  I also hinted at some flowers just beginning to peak out from below the branches, blooming, if you will, but not yet full and complete.  This also symbolizes blossoming and transformation into something beautiful.

This piece found a new home, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

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