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

Love Rises

6” X 6”

Original Art

Mixed Media on Cradle Board

What’s the secret? Love rises. Love conquers all.

“Do not fall in love Darling. Rise in Love.” ~ The Dreamer

This piece has many layers of papers, inks, and paint. It has multiple layers of texture, giving it depth and interest.  This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome!  Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions....I'd love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

 

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

Moon Kissed

This is one of my latest in my series of "moonlight trees".  It has lots of dimension and layers, adding to the interest and mystery of this piece.

This piece is available.  Feel free to contact me via email at: www.saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also follow me on my website, instagram, and FB.  Feel free to reach out...I'd love to hear from you!

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!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

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

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

"Beautifully Broken", Original Mixed Media/Assemblage Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Beautifully Broken

In our journeys, there are usually broken pieces.  People we’ve loved and lost, friends who have been in our lives for a season, families torn apart.  These are our stories.  These are the layers of our lives.  These broken pieces make us who we are, who we become.  What we do with those broken pieces is up to us.  We have the choice to create new stories, to try again.  Our wings may be tattered and worn, but they are ours and they can still fly.  We are all beautifully broken.  The doorknob in this piece represents old doors closing and new ones opening.  The background was created using pieces of a vintage world atlas, representing the layers of our lives and our journeys.  The wings were bathed in resin to finish this piece, so there is no need for framing.

This piece will be available in an online Facebook Event beginning Sunday and running through Monday.  These events are fun and easy...to place a bid, all you have to do is comment!  This is a great way to own an original piece of art for a great price.

You can also check out my website.

Or, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

"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

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

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

"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.

  

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

"Undone"

This is a little abstract, mixed media piece titled, "Undone".  It was created on watercolor paper and then mounted to an  8 X 8 cradle board.  It features text from vintage books, rusted cloth, and thin wire attached with small stitching.  I also used coffee grounds to create a rich color and texture in the background and used various elements, such as sticks and twigs, to make marks.  

This piece is available.  Currently, it is being shown up at the Manitou Springs Art Center.  I would love to have you stop by and take a look!  Please message me with comments or if you would like further information. 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://donnamartinfineart.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

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 available for purchase.

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

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

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

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

"Magic in the Mess", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Magic in the Mess"

As with everyone, there always seems to be some mess, some drama going on in life.  This painting evolved through the messes.  It had several "ugly duckling" stages.  I almost wanted to trash it and start all over again - several times.  Just when I thought it was not salvageable, this butterfly started making it's way into the piece.  Almost as if coming out of its cocoon.  It ended up being one of my favorite paintings, one of my favorite "stories". 

It was created with several layers of paint, inks, painted papers, and modeling paste. 

This piece is available.  I'd love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions!  My email is:  

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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

"Cherish This Life", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Cherish This Life"

We recently lost someone very special to us.  My Father-in-Law, Mikey, was Italian, to the core.  He grew up in North Denver, in what was known as little Italy.  He worked at an Italian Bakery for much of his life and he fought in WWII, in Normandy.  He knew the Italian Mob Bosses in Denver, worked hard to raise his family, and he loved to gamble in Vegas.  He was pretty good at it too. He also loved to go dancing.  He went dancing almost every Saturday night up until about 4 months ago.  

I know if we could talk to him again, he would tell us to live this life and appreciate it, because it is short.  As I've said before, this life is just a whisper of time.  So this is for you, Mikey, for a life well-lived and well-loved...we will cherish you and the life you lived forever.

This piece was created as a reminder to "Cherish This Life".  It was done with many layers of paint, inks, and painted paper.  The heart in the middle was cut from a vintage ceiling tile.  When the light catches it, you can see the hints of iridescent gold paint sprinkled throughout the painting.  The words, "Cherish This Life" are embedded into the painting.  It is framed in a gold and black floater frame.

www.donnamartinfineart

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

“Dragonfly Dream”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Dragonfly Dream

I must be dreaming of spring...I seem to be gravitating to these softer, lighter colors and images.  This little dragonfly was created using paint, inks, painted paper, and stencils. You can see how it started out (below) and where it ended up.  It was a transformation, for sure.

This little piece has not been spoken for yet.  It measures 9 X 11.  If you have comments or are interested, please send me an email, I would love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

“Forever”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Forever"

This is a little mixed media piece, 6 X 6, that I created around Valentine's Day.  I used vintage sheet music from Romeo and Juliet, painted paper, wood, and paint.  I applied resin to the finished piece and it turned out beautiful!

This piece is sold, but send me an email if you'd like me to create something special for you or someone you love.  Comments are always welcome!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

“She Decided to be Brave”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

She Decided to be Brave

   

This brave girl was finished today.  It was a result of being brave and letting some walls down, letting people have a "glimpse".

She was made with paint, colored pencils, twine, and a glass heart.

 

You can read more about the story behind her on my blog, http://donnamartinfineart.blogspot.com/2014/10/she-decided-to-be-brave.html 

 

She is available. She measures 8 X 8 X 1.5 and she comes ready to hang. If you have questions, comments, or are interested in purchasing, please feel free to send me an email at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

“Song of Hope”, Original Mixed Media Art by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Song of Hope"

 

Hope is the thing with feathers 
That perches in the soul, 
And sings the tune without the words, 
And never stops at all, 
  
And sweetest in the gale is heard;         
And sore must be the storm 
That could abash the little bird 
That kept so many warm.

     –from "Hope is the Thing with Feathers" by Emily Dickinson

 

I love this little poem from Emily Dickinson.  It reminds me to listen to that still, small voice in my soul that tells me to never give up.  Sometimes we just have to be still and listen for it.

 

This is a little mixed media bird that I created with molding paste, painted paper, stencils, and tree bark.  The original is sold, but commissions are welcome. 

 

Please feel free to email me with questions or comments:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

 

You can view more of my work at:

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

Follow me on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/#!/donnamartinfineart