“Be Still”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Donna L. Martin

 Be Still

9" x 12”

Original Painting

Watercolor Paper mounted on to a Thick, Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Mixed Media

Sometimes it seems I am searching and searching for answers and cannot find them anywhere I look.  I want to do the right things and move in the right direction.  Sometimes, I think because I am always moving and searching, the answers keep eluding me.  In these moments, I know in my heart, that I need a time out, that I just need to breathe and “be still”.  This wise owl knows it too and he is a good reminder to stop, be still, and truly listen for the answers.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  You can reach me by email...I would love to hear from you!  You can also follow me on Social Media.

 https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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https://dmartinfineart.com/

"Daphne", Original Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 

Daphne

12”x12”

Original Art

Watercolor Batik and Acrylic Ink collaged on to a gallery depth canvas. 

Daphne realized she wasn’t like the others.  She tried to fit in, but she was quieter than the others and her colors were just a little “off”.   She never quite felt accepted, even though she had big dreams and she was smart.  Then Daphne met Theo.  Theo was an elephant whose colors were also a little “off”.  The other elephants teased Theo and nicknamed him “Psychadelepant”, which hurt Theo terribly.  Daphne and Theo became lifelong friends and the best part, is that they accepted each other unconditionally.  Through each other’s eyes, they also learned to accept themselves, just as they were.  Perfectly imperfect.

Daphne now lives in Canada with her new owner, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me and I would love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

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

Bluebird

12” X 12” X 1.5”

Original art

Mixed Media on thick, Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This painting was inspired by song lyrics from Miranda Lambert. Part of the chorus says, “And if the whole wide world stops singing and all the stars go dark I'll keep a light on in my soul, keep a bluebird in my heart.”

 

This painting is available!  Feel free to contact me. 

Follow me on my website, Facebook, or Instagram.

https://dmartinfineart.com/

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Dream On, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Dream On

8” X 8”

Original art

Mixed Media on Cradle Board

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You

This piece has many layers of papers, inks, and paint.  It has multiple layers of texture, giving it depth and interest.  There are subtle hints of gold iridescent paint in the painting that “glow” when the light hits it.  This piece is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me...I'd love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon a Time, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time, on a cold, winter’s night, the trees stood humble and still. All was calm and bright. There was hope. And the stars exhaled in gratitude.

This is an original Mixed Media piece created with many layers of papers, paints and inks.  The original is sold, but commissions are welcome.

https://dmartinfineart.com/ 

https://saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

 

 

 

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

Peace Be Still

10 X 10

Original Art

Mixed Media on Canvas

This was one of those “intuitive” paintings.  I didn’t have a beginning, middle, or end in mind.  I just started painting.  Then, I began to have a vision of this little sheep.  The painting took on a life of its own.  The more I painted, I realized I was effortlessly leaning into my faith and I felt so peaceful.  I decided to title this one “Peace be Still”.

This painting is sold, but feel free to contact me if you are interested in a professionally printed reproduction of the painting.  

Also, I am going to be an instructor next year in an online class, Paint Your Heart and Soul.  I will be teaching students how to create an animal similar to this one. You might have already heard about this amazing course as it is one of the most popular art classes in our online art community. However, if you’ve never heard about it before – it is not just another online class! In a nutshell, this is a year-long fun and informative art course with weekly lessons, where you not only can learn how to create gorgeous art and improve your skills using different art supplies, but also to share your progress and interact with instructors and students from all around the world from the convenience of your own home and time. I will put the link below.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://tinyurl.com/y3trdkvd

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

"Surrender"

This is an original mixed media painting, just completed.  I had started with the background and had no idea what to do for the focal point.  I sat with this piece for a few days before I added the hummingbird.  At the time, it was just a few days before the hummingbirds in our yard were gone for the season and I wanted to remember them this year.  I was also contemplating how so many of my family and friends are in the midst of quite a few challenges this year.  I wanted this painting to symbolize love, joy, truth, and resilience.  A spirit of surrendering to the moment, not giving up, but accepting the challenges and facing them with grace and fortitude. 

This painting will be available in an upcoming Facebook auction I am participating in.  Each month, our group donates 20% of our sales to a worthwhile charity or cause.  I would love it if you would check it out!  It's a great way to own a piece of original artwork while at the same time "paying it forward" and making a positive difference.  The link to our group is:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/541216752946993/

You can also find more of my work at:

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

"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.

“The Road Less Traveled”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"The Road Less Traveled"

I titled this piece "The Road Less Traveled" because that's how I want to live my life.  I never want to be afraid to take risks and take chances...sort of what I did with this piece.  It can be scary for sure, but let go and see where it takes you. You may totally surprise yourself!

This piece is sold, but please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments. I would love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

“Poppy Love Letters”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Poppy Love Letters"

This painting sure didn't end up like it started out!  In the beginning, it had bright pink flowers at the top and bright green grass at the bottom.  I toned down the flowers and the grass and decided I wanted poppies as the focal point. I added some painted, torn paper and some twine.  This one sat on the easel for months before I decided what to do with it.  Sometimes you just have to sit with something until you figure out where it wants to go!

This piece measures 12 X 12 and was done on a 1.5" cradle board.  It found a home in Chicago.  

Please feel free to send me an email with questions, comments...I would love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

You can follow me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

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“Infinity”, Original Mixed Media Painting/Encaustic by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Infinity

In the midst of winter, I start dreaming about spring.  It's the time for renewal, new starts, new colors, new choices.  I always look forward to the flowers blooming and the warm sunshine blowing around in the spring winds.  

This piece is a reflection of my feelings about spring and the hummingbirds that come to visit us every year.  It truly is a mixed media piece...it has so many layers and mediums.  For the background, I used a vintage hankie that had a flower stitched into it.  I then added gesso and plaster.  I used an image transfer for the hummingbird and formed the flowers in watercolor, graphite, and intense pencils.  I added some watered-down paint in the background to give it a vintage-feel.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax, which gave it a dream-like quality.

This little piece will be available soon in an upcoming auction on Facebook.  The link for the auction is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulsistersunited

I would love to hear from you!  You can send me an email at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com
     

"You Are Not Alone", Original Mixed Media/Assemblage Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"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 "lions head" and placed in the top part of the corbel.  To me, that symbolized protection and peace.  On the bottom of the corbel, I attached the words, "You Are Not Alone".  I finished the wings off with a resin coating, so it looks like glass floating over each wing.  

I am so fortunate to be taking part in an online auction that starts on May 24th and this piece will be available.  If you would like an invitation, or just would like to take a peek, here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/872662112861082/

Always remember, you are not alone, no matter what!

donnamartinfineart.com

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

“Chicks Rule”, Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"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!

donnamartinfineart.com

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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

“Dreaming of a Blue Moon”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Dreaming of a Blue Moon"

This little piece started as a demo piece for a mixed media class I was teaching/leading (I think the students teach me as much as I do them).  I started out using acrylic paint in blues and golds.  I added stencils and texture paste to create the flowers in the background.  I still wasn't sure what my subject was going to be, but that is becoming the norm for me!

Pretty soon, I noticed some of the patterning on the piece and thought it looked like feathering and wings.  I decided to take a chance and see if an owl would come to life in this piece.  (This was the patterning I brought forward in her chest and wings)

I decided to make her look very fluffy and sleepy.  I accented her shape with a sharpie paint pen and made the branch out of painted vintage sheet music.  The leaves were made with painted rice paper.  

She is peacefully sleeping, dreaming of the blue moon!

This piece measures 12 X 12 X 1.5.  It is finished with a shiny resin coat, which really brings the colors to life.  This little owl is available and comes ready to hang.

Feel free to send me an email with any comments, questions, or if you are interested in purchasing.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

"Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Circle of Life"

"Circle of Life"

This is my latest painting, fresh off the easel.  Let me tell you, this one was difficult and I feel like there were some painting and life lessons learned with this one!

In Progress

I liked the way it started out, but I felt it needed more texture, something to make it "pop".  So I added some molding paste and let it dry.

Still....in Progress

Then I started adding paint and painted foil.  I still feel like the bird faded into the background.  Then, she began to evolve, patiently, and became more beautiful and interesting with each stroke of paint and each layer.  

Close up of Bird and Texture on Leaves

Close up of Bird

This little painting is 12X12 and 1.5" deep.  It is available and comes ready to hang.

Feel free to send me questions or comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

"Happy in Bloom", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Happy in Bloom

This is one of my latest pieces.  It was done on a recycled wood pallet with inks, acrylics, and painted papers.  This was so much fun to do!  I love the way the wood grain shows through portions of the paint and ink.

This one is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to email me with questions or comments!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

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

"Sunshine Day"

I feel like I'm "painting happy" again!  This is another fun, whimsical poppy painting, fresh off the easel.  It was done with acrylic inks, paint, and hand-painted paper.  It measures 12 X 12 X 1.5 and is painted on a birch cradle board canvas.  It is finished with resin and comes ready to hang.  

If you need a little sunshine, this painting is available!  Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook

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“Poppy Love Letters”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Poppy Love Letters"

This painting sure didn't end up like it started out!  In the beginning, it had bright pink flowers at the top and bright green grass at the bottom.  I toned down the flowers and the grass and decided I wanted poppies as the focal point. I added some painted, torn paper and some twine.  This one sat on the easel for months before I decided what to do with it.  Sometimes you just have to sit with something until you figure out where it wants to go!

This piece measures 12 X 12 and was done on a 1.5" cradle board.  It is available.  Please feel free to send me an email with questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

Original Mixed Media Painting, "Butterflies Are Free", by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Butterflies Are Free"

This piece is a result of an online workshop called "Animalitos" by artist, Tracy Verdugo.  These types of paintings are really a challenge for me.  Usually I have an idea of where I'm going when I start a painting, but these are really intuitive paintings.  It starts out with bright colors of inks and paints, using symbols and marks that have meaning.  You can see below how this started out.  

Then the idea is to pick out some shapes or forms in the piece....turn it upside down, sideways, etc. to "see" what might be there.  When I was making my marks and symbols, I used a wing stencil.  I began to think that it might make for a pretty butterfly wing.  I honestly couldn't see anything else, which is a major challenge for me in doing this type of work!

So I began blocking out the form of the butterfly.  As soon as I started that, I knew it needed some kind of flower to land on, so I added more beautiful inks in orange and red.  When that dried, I started blocking out some shapes on the wings and flower with india ink and a tiny, tiny brush.  Below is a close up of the finished piece.

The lesson I keep learning in doing these types of paintings is to enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome.  Sort of goes with my intention of living in the moment and enjoying the adventure.  It's crazy what happens when you have no expectations and just let it go!

I am contemplating pouring resin over it so the colors pop even more!  I named the piece "Butterflies Are Free", but I'm not committed to that yet, since this is fresh off the easel.  I may need to think about it a little more, but couldn't wait to share the process with you!  

This little piece is done on an 8X8 gallery wrapped canvas. It is available.  Please contact me with question, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.  I always love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

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

"Transformation"

Finished!

Beginning

First Stages

 This painting came about from a workshop that I took from an amazing artist, Tracy Verdugo.  It was quite a process and to tell the truth, it sat at home for almost a month after the workshop, I finally grabbed enough courage to finish it on my own.  I struggled and struggled and it went through many, many layers. When I finally stopped concentrating on the outcome and started enjoying the process, Ta Da...it was done!

This piece measures 30 X 30, standard depth.  Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com