“Beyond Words, Original Mixed Media/Assemblage Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Beyond Words"

The photo above shows the finished piece, titled "Beyond Words". The photos below show how it started out and the progression of this piece. I got a wild hair and decided I needed to move out of my comfort zone and use some different colors. To tell you the truth, I almost scrapped the whole painting. It was REALLY out of my comfort zone!

I painted with grays, burgundy, and threw in a little Van Dyke brown for good measure. I added tissue paper, collage papers, and modeling paste with a stencil.

I began to tone it down and soften it up by adding white. I like how the other colors and patterns still show through. There are alot of layers going on here! At this point, I still don't know what is happening with this piece and I'm still not real happy with it, but I'm forging on.

I used a wing stencil with some modeling paste over the top of these layers. I painted the wings iridescent pearl. I also collect vintage/antique pieces to use in my work, although the turquoise piece on this one is new. I really love combining old and new. The rusty/patina piece is an antique door plate. I also added a skeleton key.

I'm so glad I kept pushing forward and didn't give up on this piece. I love how it turned out. It's symbolic for me. It seems I can never find the words to express my emotion and how I feel. My art seems to speak for me. This is symbolic of all the layers and how feelings and emotions can get ugly and uncomfortable at times, especially when they are raw and unfamiliar. There are layers of change and then the courage to take risks...exploring something new and different. If you have the courage to push on through the pain, ugliness, and raw emotion, you may find the the beauty in the mess and find your wings!

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome. Please feel free to contact me at

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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

Watercolor Landscape Painting, "Aspen Morning", by International Watercolor Artist, Donna L. Martin

This is an original watercolor landscape that I completed last year. I just love using vibrant colors of purples and blues...makes me so happy! The original piece is sold, but prints are available in various sizes. View more of my work at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-donna-martin.html For questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at: saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

Flying Free and Finding My Voice

Fly Free I have always been one of those people who is naturally shy. It may have a little to do with the way we were raised, we were always told that children "are to be seen and not heard". Growing up in that culture, I've always had trouble expressing what I'm feeling or saying what I wanted to say. Why would I have anything worth saying? I always felt that when I finally was able to say something, was anyone really listening? To add to this, I grew up feeling like I really didn't fit in anywhere, that I was usually the odd one out. I was the one who got picked last for the team, didn't stand up for myself...I didn't know how, didn't have " permission ". I couldn't really find my place, or my voice. I attended Columbine High School for one semester before we moved to a wonderful little small Texas town. When I first got there, the kids in ...

Have You Danced Lately?

"She Danced" This is my latest mixed media piece. 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 t...

Donna L. Martin Fine Art

Search This Blog