“Dragons Soar”, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Dragons Soar

This is the latest little painting I completed.  It's the time of the year I've been thinking about family, getting out in the warm sunshine, planting flowers, breathing in the fresh air.  I named it "Dragons Soar" because I have a little sign in my garden that says "In my garden, hearts soar and dragons fly." 

In thinking about the dragonfly and creating this piece, I found this interesting symbolism.  The dragonfly normally lives most of its life as a nymph or an immature. It flies only for a fraction of its life and usually not more than a few months. This adult dragonfly does it all in these few months and leaves nothing to be desired. This style of life symbolizes and exemplifies the virtue of living IN the moment and living life to the fullest. By living in the moment you are aware of who you are, where you are, what you are doing, what you want, what you don’t and are able to make informed choices on a moment-to-moment basis.

This ability lets you live your life without regrets like the great dragonfly.  This week, this day, are you living in the moment?

Here are some pictures of how this painting started out and went through the process.

This painting literally sat in my art studio for over a year, untouched.  I did NOT like how it was turning out and couldn't figure out what to do with it.  The sides and the bottom of it were painted bright red.  Really...who does that...FIRE ENGINE red!  I toned it down with some white.  The top background underneath the dragonfly is some really beautiful turquoise paper that I found and altered.

I continued doing more alterations to the paper behind the dragonfly.  I added some iridescent orange...man those iridescent paints are gorgeous!  Started adding some blue over the white paint at the bottom and sides to try to tie it all together.

Here I began to add more turquoise to the painting, again to try to tie it together, and because I LOVE turquoise.

And...TaDa...I think it is done!

This little painting is 8 X 8 X 1.5 found a home here in Colorado.  It was finished with a resin coating, which eliminates the need for framing.  If you have comments or comments, please contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com. 

You can check out my other work at:

http://donnamartinfineart.com/   

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

"Humble Beginnings"

This piece was created because of my Brother.  He's followed me along on this "journey".  He told me that I should paint "BIG".  This painting is a result of that effort!  It seemed like it took me forever.  I stressed over it, then enjoyed it, then questioned everything about it.  This is the end result. 

I thought about this painting as a "beginning" of sorts.  By that I thought about symbolizing a young couple starting their own family.  In another new beginning of sorts, It could  symbolize a new beginning as an "empty nester".  Both of those scenarios are big, huge, sometimes scary, unknown adventures.  Both are humbling, full of learning and experiencing a new season in life.  For a new family, it's full of anticipation and expectation.  For a family with children leaving home, it could be grieving and figuring out how to parent in a different way.  It's hard to watch your babies leave the nest and make a new life on their own.  The couple expecting a new baby has to learn how to remain a couple when times are hard and their focus is no longer solely on each other.  The couple letting go of grown children have to relearn how to be a couple, yet still find their own individual paths.  Needless to say, it's complicated.

Close up of Leaves and Texture Detail

Close up of Nest

The nest is made from Pine Needles and a stencil.  It was not easy gluing all of these tiny little needles on to the canvas, but I sure do like how it turned out. 

Detail of the Aspen Trees

Even though life is complicated and there are different seasons, we can always look forward to new beginnings.  I've learned that even when things come to an end, it signifies the beginning of something else.  We just have to be open to whatever is next. Life is always an adventure, so let's learn to enjoy the journey and see where it takes us!

This painting was created with painted papers, stencils, pine needles, vintage sheet music, and of course, layers and layers of paint!  It measures 36X36 and is on gallery wrapped canvas.  It is finished with a resin coating, which makes the colors "pop" and eliminates the need for framing.  This piece comes ready to hang.

For comments, questions, or if you are interested in purchasing, please email me at:
saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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

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

"Humble Beginnings"

 

 

This piece was created because of my Brother.  He's followed me along on this "journey" and has seen and commented on many of my pieces.  He told me that I should paint "BIG".  This painting is a result of that effort!  It seemed like it took me forever.  I stressed over it, then enjoyed it, then questioned everything about it.  This is the end result. 

 

I thought about this painting as a "beginning" of sorts.  By that I thought about symbolizing a young couple starting their own family.  In another new beginning of sorts, It could  symbolize a new beginning as an "empty nester".  Both of those scenarios are big, huge, sometimes scary, unknown adventures.  Both are humbling, full of learning and experiencing a new season in life.  For a new family, it's full of anticipation and expectation.  For a family with children leaving home, it could be grieving and figuring out how to parent in a different way.  It's hard to watch your babies leave the nest and make a new life on their own.  The couple expecting a new baby has to learn how to remain a couple when times are hard and their focus is no longer solely on each other.  The couple letting go of grown children have to relearn how to be a couple, yet still find their own individual paths.  Needless to say, it's complicated.

 

Close up of Leaves and Texture Detail

 

Close up of Nest

 

The nest is made from Pine Needles and a stencil.  It was not easy gluing all of these tiny little needles on to the canvas, but I sure do like how it turned out. 

 

Detail of the Aspen Trees

 

Even though life is complicated and there are different seasons, we can always look forward to new beginnings.  I've learned that even when things come to an end, it signifies the beginning of something else.  We just have to be open to whatever is next. Life is always an adventure, so let's learn to enjoy the journey and see where it takes us!

This painting was created with painted papers, stencils, pine needles, vintage sheet music, and of course, layers and layers of paint!  It measures 36X36 and is on gallery wrapped canvas.  It is finished with a resin coating, which makes the colors "pop" and eliminates the need for framing.  This piece comes ready to hang.

For comments, questions, or if you are interested in purchasing, please email me at:
saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

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

“Fly”, Original Mixed Media Artwork by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 "Fly"

 

 

 

 

"Flying" and being brave seems to be my "theme" for the year.  This whole new adventure, painting in mixed media, has been born out of a tragedy.  It has evolved out of trying to heal and explore what works for me in the healing process. 

 

In this new journey, I have been trying to push myself and my art.  I've been finding my voice, for the first time, through my art and what it says.  I seem to be connecting to people through my art...and no words seem to be necessary.  All of the emotions in my heart and soul spill out on to the canvas.  

 

This piece has several layers in it.  I used stencils at the very beginning and then began layering torn and painted pieces of paper over the stenciled areas.  I used a stencil and molding paste to add more texture.  I then added a photo transfer of the butterfly and painted over her body and wings.  In this piece I wanted to convey the feeling that the butterfly is flying towards the light, which is how I was feeling.  I also added a glass door pull in the middle of the piece - just because I loved it and it felt like the piece needed it.

 

I have always been extremely shy and I'm not very good with words, so this is an amazing way for me to be able to say what I'm not able to.  It is scary, "putting it out there" for people to see.  I wonder if people will get it, or relate to it, or judge it.  But, this is the year to be brave and just do it.  So, I will continue in this journey.  I will try to be "Fearless" and "Fly".

 

"Fly"

 

12 X 12 X 1.5  Mixed Media on Cradle Board.  It is heavily textured with layers and layers of paint, paper, and molding paste.  The middle of the piece is embellished with a glass door pull.  It is finished with a Resin Coating ~ No need to frame, unless you would like to do so.

 

$140

 

Feel free to contact me at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from you!

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

Follow me on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/#!/donnamartin

"New Beginnings", Original Mixed Media Painting by Donna L. Martin

"New Beginnings"

This painting is finally done!  It's amazing how I literally obsessed over this one.  I couldn't wait to come home and work on it.  I was amazed at every layer and how it was almost painting itself.  Event the colors are not typical of what I normally use.  

Both of the substrates (cradle boards) started out with a muted gray background with a bright orange stencil over the top.  I began adding layers of paint and paper.  Then I figured out that I needed to put a Mama bird and a little bird's nest into the composition.  I used stencils and molding paste to give it a raised texture.  Added more paper, paint, and glass bead gel.

In the time I was working on these, I thought about how our lives so quickly change.  I remembered my kids when they were babies and now they have babies of their own.  It's pretty incredible, the twists and turns our lives take and how fast time really goes. We never expect the unexpected.  But when something happens that completely rocks our world - in a good or in a bad way - change is inevitable.  During the final completion of this painting, I kept hearing the words "New Beginnings" whispering in my ear, so I added those words.  I finished it off with an antique door plate and skeleton key anchored by a completely "brand new" door knob that I found.  I grounded these elements together by placing them in a composition on a very old piece of wood and anchored the paintings on each side.  

When I painted this, I was wondering who I was painting it for...what is happening in their life and why will they be drawn to this painting.  I painted it in wonder and anticipation.  I think it's a beautiful reminder of how we can keep and treasure the old, but still be open and willing to accept the new. Keep your memories and treasure them in your heart, but also open your heart to accept new memories and experiences.  Always be open to "New Beginnings".

This piece measures 29.5 X 12.  It is finished with a beautiful, shiny coating and comes ready to hang.  If you are interested in purchasing or have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook!

Donna L. Martin Fine Art    

A New Adventure...Enjoying the Ride!

New Adventure and a work in progress...

 

 

I did the background starting with a very bland gray paint.  I added a leaf stencil using orange paint over the gray.  Added some papers and yellow and red paint with a glazing medium.  WOW, too bright!  Hmmm...added some white and some glass bead gel.  It helped, but not quite sure if I'm totally happy with it.  What to do, what to do...do other artists question this stuff too? 

 

Man, I have been obsessed with these paintings for some reason.  It's a really strong pull for me to get them done.  I wonder who I am creating these for...what's their story, are they drawn to these as I am?  So, back to work.  I added some sheet music and added a glaze with a little more white.  Also added more stenciling witht the leaf stencil.  I began to add some brown ink to the nest and around the leaves.

 

I did the same things on the bird canvas as I did with the nest.  This weekend at a local market, I found a really cool piece of wood that I am thinking about incorporating into these two paintings.  I was up until midnight thinking about these.  I have to be at work at my "day job" at 7:00!  Obsession and passion.  No other words for me in making art. 

 

Here again, added more white glaze to the background and sheet music.  Started painting the limbs and around the leaves. 

 

I almost feel like with these two paintings, I'm on this adventure into the unknown.  It's exciting and I can't figure out where they are taking me, but I am enjoying the ride!  Who knows where we will end up! 

 



Follow me on Facebook at: Donna L. Martin Fine Art.

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

Feel free to contact me at:  saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

 

"Free to Dream", Mixed Media Original Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"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.

Stenciled some turquois paint on to the gray background...'cause I just love turquois!

Adding some paper.  Don't they just have the most gorgeous papers out there these days!

 

Adding more blue and some white 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.

 

Here is a close-up of one of the wings in progress.  I added some more patching because I didn't want the wings to look so "perfect".  I also stared adding some sea glass and putting in some dark paint around the indentions in the wings.

I felt like I needed to "warm" it up a little, so I added just a touch of irridescent gold.  Also added some blue sea glass. 

Finally FINISHED!  I used an old antique wooded piece for the middle to tie the two wings together.  Found a rusty old piece of hardware and added the butterfly to the middle.  I also added the words "Free to Dream" on the lower portion of the wooden piece in the middle and an old antique chandelier teardrop to the bottom of the wooden piece.

 

This piece measures approximately 18" wide and about 13" at the highest point in the middle.  The wings are finished with an epoxy resin coating, which really makes the colors "pop".

 

This one is heading up to Breckenridge, CO for the weekend for an art show.  I'd love to see you up there!  It will be on the Riverwalk Plaza in the heart of Breckenridge on Saturday, June 28th and Sunday June 29th, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  There are only be 34 artists in the show, so you will have a chance to personally speak to all of the artist there and interact with them on a one-on-one basis.  No admission fee and Breckenridge is a beautiful place to be this time of year!

 

I would love to hear your feedback, so please email me with any comments or if you are interested in a commissoned piece!

 

saltlightwatercolors.com

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

"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.

Stenciled some turquois paint on to the gray background...'cause I just love turquois!

Adding some paper.  Don't they just have the most gorgeous papers out there these days!

 

Adding more blue and some white 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.

 

Here is a close-up of one of the wings in progress.  I added some more patching because I didn't want the wings to look so "perfect".  I also stared adding some sea glass and putting in some dark paint around the indentions in the wings.

I felt like I needed to "warm" it up a little, so I added just a touch of iridescent gold.  Also added some blue sea glass. 

Finally FINISHED!  I used an old antique wooded piece for the middle to tie the two wings together.  Found a rusty old piece of hardware and added the butterfly to the middle.  I also added the words "Free to Dream" on the lower portion of the wooden piece in the middle and an old antique chandelier teardrop to the bottom of the wooden piece.

 

This piece measures approximately 18" wide and about 13" at the highest point in the middle.  The wings are finished with an epoxy resin coating, which really makes the colors "pop".

 

This one is heading up to Breckenridge, CO for the weekend for an art show.  I'd love to see you up there!  It will be on the Riverwalk Plaza in the heart of Breckenridge on Saturday, June 28th and Sunday June 29th, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  There are only be 34 artists in the show, so you will have a chance to personally speak to all of the artist there and interact with them on a one-on-one basis.  No admission fee and Breckenridge is a beautiful place to be this time of year!

 

I would love to hear your feedback, so please email me with any comments or if you are interested in a commissoned piece!

 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

 

http://donnamartinfineart.com/

 

Follow me on Facebook!  Donna L. Martin Fine Art