Thursday, January 19, 2017

"Cherish This Life", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Cherish This Life"




We recently lost someone very special to us.  My Father-in-Law, Mikey, was Italian, to the core.  He grew up in North Denver, in what was known as little Italy.  He worked at an Italian Bakery for much of his life and he fought in WWII, in Normandy.  He knew the Italian Mob Bosses in Denver, worked hard to raise his family, and he loved to gamble in Vegas.  He was pretty good at it too. He also loved to go dancing.  He went dancing almost every Saturday night up until about 4 months ago.  

I know if we could talk to him again, he would tell us to live this life and appreciate it, because it is short.  As I've said before, this life is just a whisper of time.  So this is for you, Mikey, for a life well-lived and well-loved...we will cherish you and the life you lived forever.

This piece was created as a reminder to "Cherish This Life".  It was done with many layers of paint, inks, and painted paper.  The heart in the middle was cut from a vintage ceiling tile.  When the light catches it, you can see the hints of iridescent gold paint sprinkled throughout the painting.  The words, "Cherish This Life" are embedded into the painting.  It is framed in a gold and black floater frame.









Tuesday, November 22, 2016

"Tree of Life", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Tree of Life



This is a new mixed media piece that I've done, using several different techniques that I've learned throughout the last couple of years.  It was done with many layers of paint, papers, modeling paste, and acrylic inks.

This one symbolizes connection.  All of our lives are entwined and connected, no matter what are differences may be.  

This painting measures 24 X 24 on a thick, gallery wrapped canvas.  The texture is kissed with iridescent copper paint that gives it the feeling of being antique. it will be available in an upcoming Facebook Auction that I will be participating in. If you'd like a chance to bid on it, here is the link to join the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1003365009793243/

You can also contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

I'd love to hear from you!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

Thursday, October 27, 2016

“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:



"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/

Thursday, September 29, 2016

“Discover the Miracle of Forgiveness”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Discover the Miracle of Forgiveness






This was a very emotional process, working on this painting.  It will be donated to an online auction, with all the proceeds going to a very worthy cause.  This painting has a lot of symbolism and is very personal.  Rather than tell you my story of what it means to me, I’d like to let you all begin to write your own story…maybe even through this painting.    






This piece was very different from what I usually create.  It was quite a process and was created with many layers of paint, papers, stencils, inks, charcoal, gesso, pearl mica flakes, and modeling paste.  In the middle of the piece, it is embellished with an antique doorknob ~ again, another symbolism for me.

This piece will be available in an auction taking place in October.  Here is the link:


You can also find more of my work on my website at:


I welcome your comments!  Email me at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com



Wednesday, August 31, 2016

"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



Friday, August 26, 2016

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

"Becoming"


This little, chubby bird was created with painted papers, inks, stencils, and acrylic paint.  It has multiple layers.  On the first layer, I wrote words or "values", such as compassion, grace, and kindness.  These values represent more of who I want to become, thus the name of the piece.  I also hinted at some flowers just beginning to peak out from below the branches, blooming, if you will, but not yet full and complete.  This also symbolizes blossoming and transformation into something beautiful.

This piece found a new home, but prints are available at: