“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/

 

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"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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“She Danced”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"She Danced"

  

 

 

This is my latest mixed media piece.  The words just seemed perfect for this one.  I was inspired by an artist that teaches "tu tu" painting classes and I really wanted to try and make my own "dress" and add my own unique, personal touches and words.

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I struggle with words.  When I paint, I feel like I communicate what I can't say.  I get lost in another world and time slips away.

 

This is how I imagine it is for other artists as well.  I can imagine when dancing, time slips away and the dancer is transported into another world.

This canvas was huge, literally for me.  My brother has been encouraging me to do larger works.  So, because I love him so much and he always knows what's good for me, I took the leap.  This is my second attempt at a 36 X 36 X 1.5 canvas.  My first attempt felt so daunting and I felt so lost.  With this current piece, emotions and colors flowed out on to the canvas, with no trouble at all.  The painting seemed to paint itself.  It knew what it wanted to say.

My heart was in the moment and no words needed to be spoken as this creation came to life.

I feel like art gives life to unspoken words, at least for me it does.  I hope you have something in which you can be so totally in the moment that the world melts away, if only for a while.

This painting is available.  Please feel free to email me with questions or comments.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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

Uncaged

 

 

 

This is an original mixed media piece. It was created using inks, paint, paper, molding paste, and gold mica flakes. It is finished with a beautiful resin coating, which makes the colors "pop" and eliminates the need for framing.

 

Size: 12 x 12 x 1
Price: $160.00 USD (includes shipping within the Continental United States)

 

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

http://donnamartinfineart.blogspot.com/

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

“Fire on the Mountain”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist Donna L. Martin

Fire on the Mountain

 

This is a contemporary abstract painting using several different elements to create the rich texture you see in the piece.  It was inspired from all the wildfires we had here in Colorado last year.  It is finished with resin coating, which really make the colors "pop".

 

This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Please email me with comments or questions.

 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

 

donnamartinfineart.com

 

 

"Troyce's Heart", original mixed media painting by Colorado artist, Donna L. Martin

Troyce's Heart

 

 

 

 

 

This is an original mixed media piece that was specially created for a little baby boy that will be undergoing heart surgery next month.  He has been through such a rough time already, but he has a strong family and a contagious smile! 

His Grandmother wanted me to create something special for his Mom and Dad as they travel this journey.  I was honored when she asked me to do this piece.  Through the years I've always felt close to her, even with all the twists and turns our lives have taken.  She and her family hold a special place in my heart.

I have no idea where the inspiration for this piece came from.  Even the colors are nothing like what I had originally planned.  Doug Collins, from Redeemwood provided the small wooden pallet that the heart was constructed on.  It seemed like the perfect special touch for this piece.  There are quite a few layers of paper, paint, molding paste, and burlap.  The round knob in the middle of the heart was made by a friend of mine, Wrenn Boulton, who does amazing fused glass pieces.  To me it symbolized fusion of the heart into one complete, beautiful creation...kind of like Troyce's heart. 

This little piece will soon be on it's way to Texas.  I hope it will hold special meaning for Troyce's Mom, Dad, and Grandmother.  Please pray for this family and Troyce's upcoming surgery.

I would love to hear your feedback, so please email me with any comments or if you are interested in a commissoned piece!

 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

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