Donna L. Martin Fine Art

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

  "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....

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/

"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.   My every heartbeat was thinking about the results of the auction and how the project will mean so much to so many people.   I began thinking about my own story and thinking about the concept of forgiveness.   I came to the conclusion, for myself, that forgiveness is an ongoing process.   It doesn’t mean that I forget the wrong that was done to me or that the people that hurt me get a “free pass”.   It means that I choose to let go of it, for me.   It is a weight lifted.   Once I begin the process of forgiveness and try to work through it, I am transformed.   It gives me wings to “rise above” it, if you will.   I am still sad and even sometimes angry over what happened to me, but I choose forgiveness and it truly sets me free. ...

"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/

"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: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/becoming-donna-martin.html?newartwork=true www.donnamartinfineart.com https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

Wings with Heart Today, I've been thinking about the work I do and why I do it.  A story from my high school years came to mind and I just had to write it down. When I was a freshman in high school, we moved from Colorado to a tiny little town in Texas. I came from Columbine High School in Littleton, CO to a high school that had maybe 21 people in my class.  Sports were and always have been a huge part of the culture in that little Texas town that I love.   I thought about trying out for Cheerleader, but those who know me know that I am extremely shy and I was even more so back then.  I knew in my heart of hearts that there was absolutely no way I could even attempt to try out for Cheerleader. Then, there was basketball.  I didn't know a thing about basketball, but I was determined that I could absolutely do this.  I signed up for the team and went to every practice.  I ran laps.  I worked very hard.  I became part of...

"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 "l...

"She Danced"    This one of my latest mixed media pieces.  The words just seemed perfect for this one.  I was inspired by an artist that teaches "tu tu" painting classes and I really wanted to try and make my own "dress" and add my own unique, personal touches and words. Anyone who knows me, knows I struggle with words.  When I paint, I feel like I communicate what I can't say.  I get lost in another world and time slips away. This is how I imagine it is for other artists as well.  I can imagine when dancing, time slips away and the dancer is transported into another world. This canvas was huge, literally for me.  My brother has been encouraging me to do larger works.  So, because I love him so much and he always knows what's good for me, I took the leap.  This is my second attempt at a 36 X 36 X 1.5 canvas.  My first attempt felt so daunting and I felt so lost.  With this current piece, emotions a...

Joy in the Journey This is one of my newest mixed media pieces, fresh off the easel.   I've discovered that I just love painting these wild and crazy flowers.  These flowers start out as "blobs" of ink and I really have to use my imagination to make them come to life! This piece has many, many layers.  It has layers of paper and paint.  It also has some stenciling and layers of ink.  To finish it off, I added the words, "Discover the Joy in the Journey".  This painting truly was all about discovering the joy in the journey!   This painting is another one that will be up for auction toward the end of May. If you are interested in participating in this event, or if you have any comments, please feel free to send me an email...I would love to hear from you! saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com www.donnamartinfineart.com www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

" Hope on the Horizon" This is a little encaustic piece of work, fresh of the easel.  I started out with paint, paper, and plaster.  I added more layers of wax and more paper.  I managed to achieve an accident, which it turns out is one of my favorite parts of this painting.  Below, you can see how the paper lifted up from the wax.  How cool is that?!? These are an angled view of the paper that I added.   This is a view from the front - so you can see how the paper lifted. I am loving the process of working with wax.  The layers can be as simple or complex as you would like.  It's totally like an adventure and there are many surprises, twists, and turns. Kind of like the journey we ourselves are on every single day.  The tree symbolizes hope and new beginnings and the leaves, made out of plaster, symbolizes new growth.  We also have hope, new beginnings, and the chance for growth.  We just have to keep pushing...

"Chicks Rule" This is a little encaustic piece that I just finished.  It has lots of layers and subtle colors.  The "nest" just appeared...I really didn't plan that at all, but I love those kinds of surprises.  Of course when the nest appeared, I had to add a bird.  I also added part of an old deed dating back to the early 1900's.  You can see part of it by her left arm and shoulder. Here you can get a little bit of a closer view.  The flowers were made of plaster.  I also used some stamps to embellish the piece.  Some of the stamping is more visible and some not so much. I am in love with the process of using wax (encaustic).  You can put so many rich layers and symbolism in a piece.  And above all, it's kind of a mystery as to what you will end up with! This little piece is reserved for an online auction that will be happening in May.  I welcome your comments and would love to hear from you! donnamarti...

"Free to Dream" Thought I'd give you a sneak peak into the process of creating this piece.  It was so much fun and so much heart and soul went into it.  I hope you enjoy! This is the beginning of this painting...just an ol' gray background on a cradle board. I stenciled some turquoise paint on to the gray background...'cause I just love turquoise! I added layers of paper -  they just have the most gorgeous papers out there these days! Adding more blue and a little white acrylic paint just to tone it down a bit. I got this cool stencil from Etsy and just had to try it.  I used patching paste...the kind you use to patch holes in your wall.  (tip ~ clean it off of your stencils right away and clean it in a bucket of water you can dump outside ~ you don't want that stuff clogging up your pipes) Both sides of the painting in progress.  I try to work on both sides at the same time in order to get a cohesive feel...