"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

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“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

"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!

"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/

"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

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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

"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/

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

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"The Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

The Circle of Life

I can finally share this piece!  I think it's become one of my favorites.  This was a commission piece for my husband's sweet Aunt.  She loves butterflies and she had seen another piece that I had completed last year and asked if I would create something along the same lines for her.  Although this didn't turn out to be an exact replica of the piece I created before, I love this one even more.  It is lighter and more luminescent than the other was.  I added 5 butterflies representing her "original family".  Now, the family has evolved and transformed, with the blessing of grandchildren and spouses.  I feel like this painting symbolizes the evolution of life...how it can change and become even more beautiful than we ever dreamed possible.

I used a vintage handkerchief for the background.  I also added some spackling paste for texture and depth.

I added various paints and inks.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax to give it that dreamy effect.

This painting has found its way home, but I am open to commissions.  Feel free to contact me at: 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also check out my website:  www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook to see my latest work and works in progress!

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://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    

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"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/

"Make Memories", Original Encaustic/Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Make Memories

This is my latest Encaustic/Mixed Media piece.  The background was done with layers of hand-painted papers and inks.  The trees were created with acrylic ink, as were the leaves around the trunks.  After the encaustic wax was added, I scraped in additional branches and marks.

I decided to add these words to it, "make memories".  I see so many people on their phones and just not making connections face to face anymore...truth be told, myself included.  Even at events, vacations, or something as simple as spending time with family, some moments, some memories, are lost because we are trying to capture it in a photo on our phones.  I wanted to remind myself not to take these moments for granted, to actually live it and cherish the memory of it.

This piece is available.  It is a small, 8 X 8, that I've framed in a simple, black floater frame.  Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions, comments, or are interested in purchasing.  

Today, I encourage you to live in the moment and make memories!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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"The Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

The Circle of Life

I can finally share this piece!  I think it's become one of my favorites.  This was a commission piece for my husband's sweet Aunt.  She loves butterflies and she had seen another piece that I had completed last year and asked if I would create something along the same lines for her.  Although this didn't turn out to be an exact replica of the piece I created before, I love this one even more.  It is lighter and more luminescent than the other was.  I added 5 butterflies representing her "original family".  Now, the family has evolved and transformed, with the blessing of grandchildren and spouses.  I feel like this painting symbolizes the evolution of life...how it can change and become even more beautiful than we ever dreamed possible.

I used a vintage handkerchief for the background.  I also added some spackling paste for texture and depth.

I added various paints and inks.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax to give it that dreamy effect.

This painting has found its way home, but I am open to commissions.  Feel free to contact me at: 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also check out my website:  www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook to see my latest work and works in progress!

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

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“Dragons Soar”, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Dragons Soar

This is the latest little painting I completed.  It's the time of the year I've been thinking about family, getting out in the warm sunshine, planting flowers, breathing in the fresh air.  I named it "Dragons Soar" because I have a little sign in my garden that says "In my garden, hearts soar and dragons fly." 

In thinking about the dragonfly and creating this piece, I found this interesting symbolism.  The dragonfly normally lives most of its life as a nymph or an immature. It flies only for a fraction of its life and usually not more than a few months. This adult dragonfly does it all in these few months and leaves nothing to be desired. This style of life symbolizes and exemplifies the virtue of living IN the moment and living life to the fullest. By living in the moment you are aware of who you are, where you are, what you are doing, what you want, what you don’t and are able to make informed choices on a moment-to-moment basis.

This ability lets you live your life without regrets like the great dragonfly.  This week, this day, are you living in the moment?

Here are some pictures of how this painting started out and went through the process.

This painting literally sat in my art studio for over a year, untouched.  I did NOT like how it was turning out and couldn't figure out what to do with it.  The sides and the bottom of it were painted bright red.  Really...who does that...FIRE ENGINE red!  I toned it down with some white.  The top background underneath the dragonfly is some really beautiful turquoise paper that I found and altered.

I continued doing more alterations to the paper behind the dragonfly.  I added some iridescent orange...man those iridescent paints are gorgeous!  Started adding some blue over the white paint at the bottom and sides to try to tie it all together.

Here I began to add more turquoise to the painting, again to try to tie it together, and because I LOVE turquoise.

And...TaDa...I think it is done!

This little painting is 8 X 8 X 1.5 found a home here in Colorado.  It was finished with a resin coating, which eliminates the need for framing.  If you have comments or comments, please contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com. 

You can check out my other work at:

http://donnamartinfineart.com/   

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

"Beautiful Whisper"

This piece is an original mixed media creation...my version of aspen trees.  It was created on a beautifully recycled wooden palette.  I used acrylic paints, inks, texture paste, and painted paper.  Each individual leaf was painted, torn from paper, and carefully adhered to the tree.

This piece was created with heart and soul.  I am so blessed to be able to live in Colorado and I love the fact that I was born and raised here.  I adore the mountains, the trees, the rugged terrain of this state.  Colorado is truly an inspiration to me.

This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  I'd also love to hear from you!

You can email me at :  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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