Thursday, May 23, 2019

"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/






Wednesday, May 15, 2019

In the Silence, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

In the Silence


In the Silence began with a stark, white, canvas.  As I began thinking about this painting and what I wanted to "say" with it, I added vintage text and vintage musical notes.  I added glazes and layers of paint so that just a portion of the text shows through.  I added more layers of ink with stencils and then wiped it away.  I used inks to create the many layers and branches of the trees, as well as the moody atmosphere in this piece.

As I was creating, I thought about how we all start out as a "blank canvas".  We begin to add rich layers to our lives, with words, with music, with emotions.  Sometimes, there are things we can't say and feelings we can't express.  These words, feelings, emotions begin to tell our stories.  And sometimes, we cover up those layers, those feelings, those words, much like I covered up part of this canvas with paint.  We stay silent.  We have no words to express how we feel.  Even so, we are rooted and we grow.  Our branches seek the light through the darkness.  Through experiences in our lives, we branch out, we grow, we learn., We add layers of color, richness, and texture to our lives.  Sometimes, the messiness turns into unexpected beauty, much like this painting did.

This painting is the first in a new series I am working on.  This painting was created on an 18 X 24 gallery wrapped canvas.  It is sold, but I'm open to commissions.

Please send me an email if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!




Thursday, May 9, 2019

"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: 

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

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





Friday, April 26, 2019

"Moonlight Trees", Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Moonlight Trees





So many exciting things happened this month!  I was honored to have been interviewed by Voyage Denver. The article told a little about my background and life as an artist.  

I've also been painting like crazy, trying to get ready for the summer art show season.  I will be at Art in the Park in Parker, CO in August.  This painting is fresh off the easel and ready to go!

I'll be teaching my first full-day, in-person workshop on May 5th...of course, all about trees!  There are still some spots available and I would love to have you join us!  Here is the link for more information about the workshop: https://amusedwomanstudios.com/amused-woman-shop-items/5519-10am-5pm-branching-out-creating-the-essence-of-trees-mixed-media-painting

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or on my website.  Feel free to email me  me with any questions or comments...I always love hearing from you!

Friday, April 19, 2019

Original Mixed Media/Abstract Painting, "Gypsy Soul", by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Gypsy Soul


This is my latest mixed media/abstract piece of work, fresh off of the easel.  It has a lot of depth, texture, and many, many layers.  This is unlike what I've done before...a total experiment totally out of my comfort zone!  But, it was so much fun!

This piece is currently available.  Send me an email if you are interested in purchasing or if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!



Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Original Mixed Media/Abstract Painting, "Night Moves", by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Night Moves


This is my latest mixed media/abstract piece of work.  It has a lot of depth, texture, and many, many layers.  It was finished with deep, rich tones of blues, grays, and light greens.

This piece is currently available.  Send me an email if you are interested in purchasing or if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!



Friday, March 1, 2019

"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.