Donna L. Martin Fine Art

Fearless Soul It was a cold and snowy day...actually a blizzard!  They called a "snow day" at my "day job", so what's a girl to do?  Jump up and down, sing and dance because there is time to paint!  And what a perfect day! So in all that joy, this little warrior showed up.  This little encaustic was done with lots of layers.  It has tissue paper, paint, part of an old deed from the early 1900's, plaster, ink, and of course wax.  I got to use my Stencil Girl Stencil for her face.  She looks very determined, very fearless, thus the title, "Fearless Soul". This little, bold painting is sold, but commissions are welcome!  Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com www.donnamartinfineart.com www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/  

  "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/

"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...

"Transformation" Lately, there have been alot of changes and "transformations" in my life.  This latest painting symbolizes the changes and the beauty that can eventually come from the "mess" of life. I started this painting, probably a good 3 years ago.  I threw paint on the canvas very randomly and then got "stuck".  I didn't know where to go with the brush strokes or what to do next.  This is how I felt also in my life.  I had a "day job" that I absolutely hated, but I felt so stuck.  The money was wonderful, but the trade off was that I felt like I was losing my soul.  The job dealt with negative, angry people and terrible situations every minute of every day.  It took a toll and I did not feel like myself anymore.  I became very dark, cynical, and did not trust anything anyone would tell me.  I think this carried over into some of my artwork life as well.  When someone would give me a compliment on a paint...