“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/

"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

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Gratitude Exhibit in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Gratitude Exhibit

Winter Solstice

 

I'm so excited and humbled to have this piece, Winter Solstice, in the Gratitude exhibit at the Kreuser Gallery in Colorado Springs.  The formal opening reception is on February 1st, from 5:00-0:00 pm.  I would love to see you there!

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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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“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

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

“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

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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"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/

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

"Sweet Dreams"

This painting is one of my favorites.  Mom and her baby are sleeping among the trees.  It has many layers and was done with paint and acrylic inks.  It was an intuitive painting inspired by the painting styles of Tracy Verdugo and Juliette Crane.  

It is on a deep gallery wrapped canvas and measures 24 X 24.  This painting is sold, but please feel free to send me an email with any questions, or comments. I really love hearing from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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

"The Road Less Traveled"

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

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

“Surrender to the Moment”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Surrender to the Moment

She finds herself lost in rare, quiet, solitude. Her mind wanders, illuminated with her dreams. Almost like a field full of wildflowers, touched by the sun, swaying in the warm breeze. Grace and peace are her momentary companions. She is grateful and surrenders to this one, small, moment in time.

This piece was created with many layers of papers, inks, paint, and modeling paste. The layers create rich depth and texture. It is done on a wooden cradleboard canvas and measures 14 X 18 X 1.5".

This piece is available. I would love to hear from you - feel free to email me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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

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

 "Peace Within"

I was recently fortunate enough to host a workshop with the most fabulous artist, Jenny Grant.  http://www.flowbyjenny.com/en

I first found Jenny on Facebook a couple of years ago. Jenny is from Stockholm, Sweden.  On a whim, last year I asked her if she would come to the US and hold a workshop.  To my surprise, she said yes and was gracious enough to come to Colorado and hold a workshop on her mixed media techniques.  This painting was a result of her workshop. 

Here below are some photos of how my painting progressed through the many layers.  The first pictures depict how papers, inks, and paints were layered on to this piece.

Then I added more modeling paste for texture and then more color!  

After drying, we took a reference photo and proceeded to add a face.  I wanted the face to meld in with the background.

To finish off, I added some darker inks and more stamping.  She's done!  I love her.  

I will be forever grateful to Jenny for coming all the way over here to teach. She is one of the most gracious, kind, compassionate people that I've ever met. What a blessing to call her "friend".

I will be holding on to this painting, but I'd love to hear from you!  You can send me an email at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

You can also find me on my website:  donnamartinfineart.com

and on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

"You Are Not Alone", Original Mixed Media/Assemblage Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"You Are Not Alone"

This is my latest mixed media/assemblage.  The story unfolded as I was painting and constructing it.  I was thinking about how we are all faced with challenges in our lives, sometimes they seem insurmountable.  If I'm being real, authentic, and honest, I know lately sometimes I feel like I struggle to find the light in my soul and I can't seem to climb out of the darkness.  Painting helps me rise above this darkness and seek out the light. These wings came into existence and this verse kept coming to mind to remind me that when I feel dark and alone, I'm really not.
    
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  Psalm 91:11 (KJV) 

This color palette is not one that I normally use, but it fits the piece beautifully.  It is rich with texture and many subtle layers.  The middle piece is part of an antique corbel that I found.  I also found an antique bronze "lions head" and placed in the top part of the corbel.  To me, that symbolized protection and peace.  On the bottom of the corbel, I attached the words, "You Are Not Alone".  I finished the wings off with a resin coating, so it looks like glass floating over each wing.  

I am so fortunate to be taking part in an online auction that starts on May 24th and this piece will be available.  If you would like an invitation, or just would like to take a peek, here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/872662112861082/

Always remember, you are not alone, no matter what!

donnamartinfineart.com

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

“Free to Dream”, Original Mixed Media/Assemblage Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Free to Dream"

This is a piece I completed for an art show that I did last year.  The wings were made with molding paste and sea glass.  I used an old antique wooded piece for the middle to tie the two wings together.  I found a rusty old piece of hardware and added the butterfly to the middle.  I also added the words "Free to Dream" on the lower portion of the wooden piece in the middle and an old antique chandelier teardrop to the bottom of the wooden piece.

This piece measures approximately 18" wide and about 13" at the highest point in the middle.  The wings are finished with an epoxy resin coating, which really makes the colors "pop".

This one has a new home up in the mountains now, but I'm open to commissions.

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

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

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

"Stages of the Heart", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Stages of the Heart

This is an original mixed media piece I created after going through alot of grieving, feelings of loss, and healing after the death of a dear friend. It is titled "Stages of the Heart". The first Heart is "Hopeful", in thinking about the beginning of a relationship and wondering what the future might hold. It is a red heart made of Tyvek and burlap, painted red. The second heart is "Broken", and represents what I was feeling about death and loss. It is a purple heart made of broken windshield glass. It expresses alot of emotion. The third Heart is "Healing", signifying the healing that can happen after loss. It is made of some of the broken windshield glass and bandages. The piece was finished with a resin, which gave it alot of depth and made the colors "pop".  This is a very personal piece to me and helped me to express all the various emotions that I was feeling.

The original piece is sold.  Commissions are welcome. 

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

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"Beauty from the Brokenness", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Beauty from the Brokenness"

This little painting is the newest one to be completed.  It is an original mixed media piece done with acrylics, inks, painted papers, and broken windshield glass.  

I know so many people who are having such difficulty and loss in their lives right now. This was my attempt at expressing how beauty can come after our brokenness and loss.

The size on this piee is 12 X 12.  It will be finished with resin and will be available during an online Handmade Holiday Auction I am participating in. Check it out to see the amazing artwork that will be available!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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