“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/

 

“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/

“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/

"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

"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/

"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.

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

Wonder

Trees seem to be my thing. I’m always inspired and awed by them. They are always so resilient and ever changing at the same time. They never cease to amaze me. For this piece, I combined many layers of hand-painted papers, inks, and acrylic paint. I also painted “outside of my comfort zone”, using colors that I don’t normally use. Finally, I added modeling paste to add depth and more texture.

This piece is available now on Facebook, Artistic Souls Gallery.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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

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!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

"Winter Solstice", by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Winter Solstice

Happy, Happy New Year!  

I am so excited and honored to announce that this painting will be exhibited and available at the Kreuser Gallery in Colorado Springs CO.  It will be part of an exhibit entitled "Gratitude".  The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, February 1st from 5:00-9:00 pm.  There will be music by Phosphene Eyes with a special performance at 7:00 pm by Artist Jasmine Dillavou.  The Gallery is located at 125 E. Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, CO.  I would love to see you there!

www.abigailkreusergallery.com    

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

"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/

"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!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

“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

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

These Are the Moments

“Paradise has never been about places.  It exists in moments.  In connection.  In flashes across time.” – Victoria Erickson

Seems like in this life, we get those rare and beautiful moments of just pure joy.  I was reminiscing about one of those beautiful moments when I created this painting.  I embedded a photo that I took off the coast of Oregon into the background.  I embellished it with paints and inks and added another small tree.  The background also has a portion of an old deed embedded into it along with some fabric and painted papers.  The whole piece was then finished with a layer of encaustic wax.

This painting is sold, but commissions are available.  Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

"In the Midst", Original Abstract Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"In the Midst"

This painting is finally done...fresh off the easel.  I've been challenging myself with creating abstract art lately.  It has really been a challenge, but I am loving every minute of it.  This was actually created because I didn't like the elements of the whole painting, but in pieces, it began to come together to form a cohesive piece that.  When I had finished the layout and composition, I began to wonder what would happen if I added a layer of encaustic wax over the entire piece...why not?  The result was dreamy and a little mysterious. 

I know so many friends and family that are going through difficult times. In creating this piece, I was feeling as if the in the midst of chaos or confusion, small pieces of even those difficult moments can all come together to create something beautiful.   Sometimes, the only thing that makes sense is taking the small, beautiful, and the unexpected fragments that life throws our way and finding a way to piece them together.  Finding acceptance in the peace of these moments and to extending a bit of gratitude for them.  Sometimes, these are the only things that keep us moving forward and carrying on.

This piece is 12 X 12.  It is available.  Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions or comments.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

instagram.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

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/