“Forever Changed”, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 

Forever Changed

Sometimes people come into our lives unexpectedly.  They end up doing life with us, the good and the bad.  They see us through the most trying times and the offer us unwavering friendship and love.  They are “our person”.  Sometimes, they are gone way too soon.  But because of them, we are forever changed.  This piece has layers of papers, paints, inks, and is heavily textured.

This piece is sold, but commissions are welcomed.  Feel free to contact me via email at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.  You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.  

https://dmartinfineart.com/

"Daydreams", Original Batik Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Daydreams

This piece is fresh off the easel!  It will be part of an online art show coming up in May.  There will be several artists showing work over the course of two weeks and my particular day is May 11th.  There will be so many great pieces of work!

Here is the link for this show.  I hope you can make it! You can also reach me through email and social media.

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

 

Leaves of Gold, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Leaves of Gold

This painting was inspired by the beauty of Colorado in the fall.  The leaves are sunshine gold and the air is crisp.  I love how the aspen leaves flutter in the breeze and seem to make their own music.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me via email or on social media...I would love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

 

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

Beautifully Broken

21.5 X 10.5 (at highest point in the middle)

Original art

Mixed Media/Assemblage on cradle boards

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.

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

Contact me via email or follow me on Social Media.  You can also check out my website, https://dmartinfineart.com/.

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

“Petunia” by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Petunia

Wow...I never knew hand sculpting was so difficult...until I decided to take on this project!  But I'm pretty smitten with her.  Meet Petunia!  She is hand-sculpted and hand-painted from clay.  

Petunia will be part of an online event taking place next week on FB.  I'm so excited to share the Facebook group that I belong to, called The Creative Kind. We are a group of artists from all over the country that met online through mutual admiration of each other's work. Our mission is to use our artwork for good and to spread kindness — to “pay it forward.” Every month, we do an online event, offering our work for sale. Twenty percent of every sale goes to a pre-determined charitable organization. Since our group started in July, 2018, we've donated $18,936.93! This group of women are amazing artists but more than that, truly have the biggest hearts and so much compassion. Even though we've never met in person, there is connection and community among us.

You can find Petunia and our Creative Kind group here.  I hope you will stop by and join us!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

“Grace” by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Grace

“Grace” by Donna L. Martin

 18” X 18” X 1.5”

Original Art

Mixed Media on deep, gallery wrapped canvas, ready to hang.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. ~ Denis Waitley

This painting was created with many, many layers of papers, inks, and acrylic ink.  I created this during the time my dad was dealing with terminal cancer.  I felt the true healing powers of this painting for the grief I was experiencing.  I felt and experienced grace.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Contact me via email or follow me on Social Media.  You can also check out my website, https://dmartinfineart.com/.

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

“Be Still”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Donna L. Martin

 Be Still

9" x 12”

Original Painting

Watercolor Paper mounted on to a Thick, Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Mixed Media

Sometimes it seems I am searching and searching for answers and cannot find them anywhere I look.  I want to do the right things and move in the right direction.  Sometimes, I think because I am always moving and searching, the answers keep eluding me.  In these moments, I know in my heart, that I need a time out, that I just need to breathe and “be still”.  This wise owl knows it too and he is a good reminder to stop, be still, and truly listen for the answers.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  You can reach me by email...I would love to hear from you!  You can also follow me on Social Media.

 https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

https://dmartinfineart.com/

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

 Wild One

This is a little mini that came together using painted papers, inks, and a ton of mark making!  It was pure joy to create it, not knowing where it might end up.  This painting is offered as part of an online event that is going on March 3rd and 4th on Facebook.  You can find the link to this event here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/254982562850757

There are so many wonderful pieces of work by several different artists.  We would love for you to come and check it out!  And maybe, just maybe, this Wild One was made just for you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

"Daphne", Original Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 

Daphne

12”x12”

Original Art

Watercolor Batik and Acrylic Ink collaged on to a gallery depth canvas. 

Daphne realized she wasn’t like the others.  She tried to fit in, but she was quieter than the others and her colors were just a little “off”.   She never quite felt accepted, even though she had big dreams and she was smart.  Then Daphne met Theo.  Theo was an elephant whose colors were also a little “off”.  The other elephants teased Theo and nicknamed him “Psychadelepant”, which hurt Theo terribly.  Daphne and Theo became lifelong friends and the best part, is that they accepted each other unconditionally.  Through each other’s eyes, they also learned to accept themselves, just as they were.  Perfectly imperfect.

Daphne now lives in Canada with her new owner, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me and I would love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

"Make a Wish", Original Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Make a Wish

8”x 8”

Original Art

Watercolor Batik and Acrylic Ink on gallery depth canvas 

I keep remembering my childhood when the days of summer were coming to an end.  Wandering through a field of dandelions that were about to give up their “clocks” for another year.  I had to find the “perfect one” and make the wish.  A wish and a dream from the heart.  Finally, I would spot it.  The Perfect One.  Inhale in, a deep breath, the wish.  Exhale out, with hope and child-like faith.  The wish.  This painting is a symbolic reminder to never give up.  Deep breaths in, deep breaths out.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Please feel free to reach out to me via email my website, or on social media.  I would love to hear from you!

"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

 

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

Bluebird

12” X 12” X 1.5”

Original art

Mixed Media on thick, Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This painting was inspired by song lyrics from Miranda Lambert. Part of the chorus says, “And if the whole wide world stops singing and all the stars go dark I'll keep a light on in my soul, keep a bluebird in my heart.”

 

This painting is available!  Feel free to contact me. 

Follow me on my website, Facebook, or Instagram.

https://dmartinfineart.com/

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

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

 Wild Heart

This was a painting that I thought I had finished. It had been sitting up against the wall for months. When I walked past it not too long ago, I realized it was nowhere near finished. It lacked light and life. I picked it up and began to add to it. I added colors and shapes and tiny details. It came to life in full bloom. Created with abandon and a wild heart!

12 X 12

Mixed Media

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Please feel free to contact me...I would love to hear from you!

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

https://dmartinfineart.com/

Dream On, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Dream On

8” X 8”

Original art

Mixed Media on Cradle Board

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You

This piece has many layers of papers, inks, and paint.  It has multiple layers of texture, giving it depth and interest.  There are subtle hints of gold iridescent paint in the painting that “glow” when the light hits it.  This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me...I'd love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon a Time, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time, on a cold, winter’s night, the trees stood humble and still. All was calm and bright. There was hope. And the stars exhaled in gratitude.

This is an original Mixed Media piece created with many layers of papers, paints and inks.  The original is sold, but commissions are welcome.

https://dmartinfineart.com/ 

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

 

 

 

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

Peace Be Still

10 X 10

Original Art

Mixed Media on Canvas

This was one of those “intuitive” paintings.  I didn’t have a beginning, middle, or end in mind.  I just started painting.  Then, I began to have a vision of this little sheep.  The painting took on a life of its own.  The more I painted, I realized I was effortlessly leaning into my faith and I felt so peaceful.  I decided to title this one “Peace be Still”.

This painting is sold, but feel free to contact me if you are interested in a professionally printed reproduction of the painting.  

Also, I am going to be an instructor next year in an online class, Paint Your Heart and Soul.  I will be teaching students how to create an animal similar to this one. You might have already heard about this amazing course as it is one of the most popular art classes in our online art community. However, if you’ve never heard about it before – it is not just another online class! In a nutshell, this is a year-long fun and informative art course with weekly lessons, where you not only can learn how to create gorgeous art and improve your skills using different art supplies, but also to share your progress and interact with instructors and students from all around the world from the convenience of your own home and time. I will put the link below.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://dmartinfineart.com/

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

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://tinyurl.com/y3trdkvd

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

Wildflowers

My Dad recently passed away and in moving through and navigating this difficult season, I have to say that I’ve learned many lessons. This painting was inspired by one of those lessons and I'd like to share with you what I learned. Kindness. Plain, simple, kindness.

I know, we talk about it all the time. We even wear shirts saying “Be Kind” or “Kindness Matters”. But do we really walk the talk. Is kindness and the idea of it something we feel in our hearts and in the depths of our souls? Is kindness just a passing thought or a “nice” idea? How often do we meditate on it? Well, I have been thinking about it. A lot.

Have you considered the person that just “cut in front of you” on the highway? Maybe, just maybe, it was a single mother, late to work because her baby was sick. Maybe she was on the verge of losing her job because this was the second time in two weeks she was late and she has no support system. No close family or friends who can help her out during this difficult time with her sick child. Consider the man who bumped into you at the grocery store and didn’t make eye contact or say “excuse me”. He was in a daze and he should "watch what he's doing". Could it be that he is buying groceries to carry home to his spouse who is dealing with a terrible disease? Maybe someone you work with “blows up for no reason”. Maybe privately, they are waiting on test results to confirm a diagnosis that they never expected. A diagnosis that could turn his life upside down and affect his family in a devastating way.
My point is, everyone truly is fighting a battle. Instead of grumbling or passing judgement, we could just show people some grace and give them a break. We could take it one step further and offer a smile or open the door for someone. Instead of just saying “call me if you need anything”, actually take it a step further. Come over and sit with them and talk to them, listen to them, cry with them. Offer to watch the kids for an hour so Mom can run an important errand and not have to worry about getting the kids out. Cook a meal or bring a gift card for pizza for someone who is not able to do it. Visit a nursing home. Simply just smile, make eye contact with someone, start a casual conversation…put your phone down and be in the moment with someone. These are some of the things I intend to do in the future for hurting people. I won’t always get it right, I know this...I seldom get it right. But I am grateful for the lesson and I will do my best to honor this lesson while I’m here. Because kindness really, really does matter.

This painting will be available at Art in the Park in Parker, Colorado on August 24th.  I would love it if you could stop by and say hello!  And remember, stay kind!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

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

www.saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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

These are the Days

One of the advantages of Facebook is that we have the chance to get our artwork "out there".  In doing so, I met the most amazing group of artists.  We collaborate every month to auction our work off and donate a portion of our sales to a different charity each month.  It's our way of giving back and paying it forward.

This month's charity is one that is very close to my heart. GRRACE (Golden Retriever Rescue and Community Education) is committed to locating and rescuing Golden Retrievers in need throughout my home state of Indiana. They take in Goldens when their owners no longer want them, when they are abandoned at shelters, or when they are picked up as strays. Their volunteers have such passion and commitment for these wonderful animals. We hope you'll join us on June 25th and 26th for this month's auction where your participation will aid in the rescue of these sweet dogs.

This is one of the pieces I will have available for this month's event.  The title is "These are the Days".  The days and the moments are truly precious.  That’s what I was thinking about in creating this painting.  It was created with many layers of papers, alcohol inks, and acrylic paints.

12 X 12

Original art

Mixed Media cradle board

The link to our event is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/541216752946993/

www.donnamartinfineart.com

"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!

"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/

https://donnamartinfineart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/?hl=en

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