Thursday, May 23, 2019

"The Guardian", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin and Stockholm Artist, Jenny Grant

The Guardian




I've said this before, but honestly, I can't say it enough. I am so absolutely blown away that I get to participate in a group where the artists have the biggest hearts on the face of the planet. They work so hard to produce work that will touch lives and make a positive difference in our world. I'm always honored that I get to work alongside them and I never want to take this opportunity for granted.

This month, our group, the Creative Kind, has chosen a very special charity called Saving Innocence. Here is a little bit about what this organization does:
Saving Innocence provides escape from trafficking for child victims of sex trafficking 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. Using a highly relational and collaborative approach, we give children on-the-ground help exclusively in the U.S. by utilizing strategic partnerships with law enforcement, social service providers and schools, while mobilizing communities to prevent abuse and increase neighborhood safety.
"I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back."

This is a very special piece that will be available next week for our Creative Kind Auction on FB. My dear friend, Jenny Grant and I collaborated on this piece when she was visiting from Stockholm, Sweden. Since we are donating to such a special charity this month, Jenny and I are excited to share this piece and make it available. The title is “The Guardian”. It is mixed media with a thin layer of encaustic. I hope you take the time to join us this month on the 28th and 29th...let’s raise some money to donate and raise awareness for this worthy cause. 

Here is the link to our group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541216752946993/






Wednesday, May 15, 2019

In the Silence, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

In the Silence


In the Silence began with a stark, white, canvas.  As I began thinking about this painting and what I wanted to "say" with it, I added vintage text and vintage musical notes.  I added glazes and layers of paint so that just a portion of the text shows through.  I added more layers of ink with stencils and then wiped it away.  I used inks to create the many layers and branches of the trees, as well as the moody atmosphere in this piece.

As I was creating, I thought about how we all start out as a "blank canvas".  We begin to add rich layers to our lives, with words, with music, with emotions.  Sometimes, there are things we can't say and feelings we can't express.  These words, feelings, emotions begin to tell our stories.  And sometimes, we cover up those layers, those feelings, those words, much like I covered up part of this canvas with paint.  We stay silent.  We have no words to express how we feel.  Even so, we are rooted and we grow.  Our branches seek the light through the darkness.  Through experiences in our lives, we branch out, we grow, we learn., We add layers of color, richness, and texture to our lives.  Sometimes, the messiness turns into unexpected beauty, much like this painting did.

This painting is the first in a new series I am working on.  This painting was created on an 18 X 24 gallery wrapped canvas.  It is sold, but I'm open to commissions.

Please send me an email if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!




Thursday, May 9, 2019

"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: 

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

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