Showing posts with label Donna L. Martin Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Donna L. Martin Art. Show all posts

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, February 22, 2019

"Beauty in the Brokenness", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Beauty in the Brokenness




“There is nothing beautiful about the wreckage of a human being.  There is nothing pretty about the damage, about pain, about heartache.  What is beautiful is their strength, their resilience, their fortitude as they display an ocean of courage when they pick through the wreckage of their life to build something beautiful, brand new, against every odd that is stacked against them.”  - Nikita Gill 



We don’t always see it in ourselves, but beauty truly can come from the brokenness.

This piece was created with layers of paper, paint, and acrylic inks.  I also added some modeling paste in certain areas on the painting, which gives it a bit of raised texture.

This piece is 20 X 20 X 1.5, created on a thick, gallery wrapped canvas.  It is available.  Please email me with questions or comments at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram:




Tuesday, July 31, 2018

"Be Still", Original Abstract Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Be Still"








This little 8 X 8 abstract is fresh off the easel.  There's alot going on in this painting, but for me, it's a simple reminder that sometimes we just have to "be still".

This painting is available.  It is currently on exhibit at the Manitou Art Center in Manitou Springs, CO.

Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments!





Thursday, July 12, 2018

"There is Always Light", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

There is Always Light



Well, this one was a wild ride!  This is fresh off the easel and for a while, it was a true ugly duckling.  I decided to walk...no run, out of my comfort zone and use colors that I don't usually use.  The photo below is the beginning of the process, using stencils and collage, and then trying to tone it down with some titanium white.



After this, I added texture around the piece using molding paste and stencils, layering one stencil over the other so it wouldn't look so "contrived".  After it was dry, I began adding inks...in colors that I wouldn't normally use.  I used a purple ink that had just a small amount of shimmer to it.  It was very, very bright and I needed to tone it down again.  After the "wild colors" had dried, I added sepia ink over the whole piece...several times.



At this stage, I was pretty sure I had ruined it, but what happened next was pretty amazing.  The colors started showing through the sepia ink in the most beautiful way.  It still had a beautiful and translucent quality to it, but the ink toned it down and gave it so much more depth.

I decided to add trees, since I have been created a series based on trees.  I added the trees with the same color inks that I used in the background and added some tiny, white branches in some areas.  The texture came out beautifully too...you can see it in these close up photos.




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This painting is full of emotion.  We just found out that my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Everything about that at this point is unknown.  When I don't know what to do, I paint.  It's the only way I know how to express myself sometimes.  It's ironic that I "didn't know" about how beautiful these colors would turn out...just diving in and trusting the process.  I feel like with my dad, I just have to have the same kind of trust and faith.  Heading on into the unknown and looking for the beauty in each, single, precious moment and never taking any of it for granted.

This painting will be available at Art in the Park in Parker, CO on August 25th and 26th from 10:00 - 4:00.  Also, at the Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, CO on Sept. 8th and 9th from 10:00 - 5:00.  I would love to see you there.  Meanwhile, keep looking for the light!







Tuesday, July 10, 2018

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

"Stand by Me"


This is one of my latest paintings in my series of tree paintings.  It was created using layers of hand-painted papers, acrylic paints, and acrylic inks.  So many hours were spent on the trees and trying to create sort of an ethereal feel and look to this one.  Here is a photo of how this one began and the progress:


This painting will be available for purchase during a couple of art shows I am participating in this year.  The first is in Parker, CO, Art in the Park, on August 25th and 26th from 10:00 - 4:00.  The second show is the Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, CO on Sept. 8th and 9th from 10:00 - 5:00.  I would love to see you there!  In the meantime, feel free to send me an email, or follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

  



Tuesday, June 19, 2018

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

Winter Day




This little painting is fresh off the easel.  It was created with hand-painted papers, inks, and acrylic paints.  It has a dreamy, luminescent quality because of all the layers and glazing of paint.

This one measures 8 X 8 and is finished with a simple, black floater frame.  It is available.  Feel free to send me an email for questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or check out my website.



Wednesday, May 30, 2018

"Today I Choose to Be a Light", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Today I Choose to Be a Light"


This is the latest in my little series.  The title is, "Today I Choose to Be a Light".  I've been pondering the thought that every day we can choose our attitudes towards others and towards life in general.  This is the thought I chose for today.  I'm not perfect, but how can I be a light for others?  Can I extend a kind word, look at someone and smile, acknowledge someone and look them in the eye without just brushing past them?  Today I will make that effort and do my best.

This little painting is 8 X 8, framed in a simple black floater frame.  It is available.  Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments. 





Friday, May 25, 2018

"Make Memories", Original Encaustic/Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Make Memories



This is my latest Encaustic/Mixed Media piece.  The background was done with layers of hand-painted papers and inks.  The trees were created with acrylic ink, as were the leaves around the trunks.  After the encaustic wax was added, I scraped in additional branches and marks.




I decided to add these words to it, "make memories".  I see so many people on their phones and just not making connections face to face anymore...truth be told, myself included.  Even at events, vacations, or something as simple as spending time with family, some moments, some memories, are lost because we are trying to capture it in a photo on our phones.  I wanted to remind myself not to take these moments for granted, to actually live it and cherish the memory of it.




This piece is available.  It is a small, 8 X 8, that I've framed in a simple, black floater frame.  Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions, comments, or are interested in purchasing.  

Today, I encourage you to live in the moment and make memories!





Wednesday, May 16, 2018

"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!




Tuesday, May 15, 2018

"Today I Choose Joy", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Today I Choose Joy


This little painting is the latest in a series I'm working on.  I was thinking about how amazing it is that we have the opportunity to actually choose our attitudes, every day, and we get to choose how to deal with our individual situations.  This painting symbolizes how I was feeling on this particular day and how I decided to "choose joy".  I'm hoping it brings the viewer some joy when looking at it!

This painting was created with many different layers of hand-painted papers, acrylic paints, and acrylic inks.  This painting is sold, but commissions are available.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you.  





Thursday, May 10, 2018

"These are the Moments", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin


These Are the Moments



“Paradise has never been about places.  It exists in moments.  In connection.  In flashes across time.” – Victoria Erickson

Seems like in this life, we get those rare and beautiful moments of just pure joy.  I was reminiscing about one of those beautiful moments when I created this painting.  I embedded a photo that I took off the coast of Oregon into the background.  I embellished it with paints and inks and added another small tree.  The background also has a portion of an old deed embedded into it along with some fabric and painted papers.  The whole piece was then finished with a layer of encaustic wax.


This painting is sold, but commissions are available.  Feel free to send me an email with any questions or comments!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

Monday, May 7, 2018

"Peace Among the Trees", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Peace Among the Trees"



This is my newest piece.  It was created after learning about a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with a devastating form of cancer.  Sometimes, after news like that, there are no words.  There was and is so much emotion and so many stages of "grief" after getting the news.  My friend is strong and courageous.  Her roots are planted deep and she will fight this with all she has.  She is walking through this battle with grace and fortitude.  She is truly my hero and my inspiration.  

 

This piece was created with may layers of painted papers, paints, and inks.



It was finished with a layer of beautiful, dreamy, encaustic wax.

This is a small 8 X 8 piece, which I have finished with a simple black floater frame.  It is available.  You can send me an email here with any questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

You can check out more of my work at www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook


Tuesday, May 1, 2018

"Legend of the Tree", Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting by Donna L. Martin

Legend of the Tree




This painting is fresh off the easel.  It has rich texture created with papers, paints, and stamps.  The words in the painting are blurred, offering the viewer a little mystery and suggesting that they take their best guess as to what they are saying.  

This painting was created as a gift for a very special friend, but commissions are welcome.  I would love to hear from you with any questions or comments.  You can send me a message at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.




Friday, April 27, 2018

"In the Midst", Original Abstract Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"In the Midst"




This painting is finally done...fresh off the easel.  I've been challenging myself with creating abstract art lately.  It has really been a challenge, but I am loving every minute of it.  This was actually created because I didn't like the elements of the whole painting, but in pieces, it began to come together to form a cohesive piece that.  When I had finished the layout and composition, I began to wonder what would happen if I added a layer of encaustic wax over the entire piece...why not?  The result was dreamy and a little mysterious. 










I know so many friends and family that are going through difficult times. In creating this piece, I was feeling as if the in the midst of chaos or confusion, small pieces of even those difficult moments can all come together to create something beautiful.   Sometimes, the only thing that makes sense is taking the small, beautiful, and the unexpected fragments that life throws our way and finding a way to piece them together.  Finding acceptance in the peace of these moments and to extending a bit of gratitude for them.  Sometimes, these are the only things that keep us moving forward and carrying on.

This piece is 12 X 12.  It is available.  Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions or comments.




Wednesday, April 11, 2018

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

Uncaged



This is an original mixed media piece. It was created using inks, paint, paper, molding paste, and gold mica flakes. It was finished with a beautiful resin coating, which makes the colors "pop" and eliminates the need for framing.


This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Please feel free to contact me at: saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

Thursday, April 5, 2018

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

"Breathe"




This is a small, original mixed media/abstract piece that I just completed.  These abstract works cause me to stretch and reach beyond my comfort zone, which I think is a good thing.  I am still learning and growing within this style, but I love it so much.

This painting is available.  It is an 8 X 8, mounted on a 1.5" deep cradle board.  Feel free to contact me at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.




Tuesday, March 27, 2018

"Go Your Own Way", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Go Your Own Way





Everyone said, “Follow me”.  It was expected, and for a while, she did what she was told.  This was not the path she wanted to take.  She did not want to fly in conformity with all the others.  There were mysteries to be solved and adventures to be had.  And then it happened, like a dream that whispered her name in the middle of the night.  She noticed that not only were her own wings beautiful, but they were strong.  They were not like everyone else’s.  A still small voice inside of her nudged her to try out her own unique and beautiful wings.  That voice told her it was a good thing to go her own way.  So she did.  And she never looked back.
 
This piece began with fabric from a vintage napkin.  I loved this photo that I had taken of a tree in Oregon and decided to embed it in the piece.  I also added bits of paper and paint.  At the last minute, I decided I wanted to add the symbolism of the butterflies.  Of course, one of the butterflies just would not conform and line up with the others!  Perfectly imperfect.  A layer of dreamy encaustic wax finished this piece.

This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.