Donna Howard
Martinis for two, acrylic on canvas
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? My earliest memories are of crayons. I’d choose a coloring book over most toys any day. I remember the smell of a newly opened box of crayolas and the excitement of getting the set of 64 with the built in sharpener!
When did art become a pursuit? I guess art became a pursuit in 2011. I had been painting daily for about a year and a half and I was encouraged to show my work. I started with a small show in our public Library. In the past 8 years I’ve had 23 solo exhibitions and have been juried into 78 group shows, most regionally but I have shown across the country.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I had many wonderful instructors in high school and in college. However I was not a great student and didn’t have the focus to concentrate in one area of visual art. I didn’t pursue a career in the Arts until 25 years after college.
How did you first become involved with CAA? In June of 2012 My painting was accepted into the 11th National Prize Show. At that time I was invited to become a member.
The Swamp Out Back Our House, Acrylic on canvas
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? well, I’m recognized for my work in acrylics but honestly for the last year and a half I’ve mostly been painting with watercolors. I chose acrylics because they dried quickly and for some reason that was important at the time. I had no idea that when I started I would be quite prolific. After 7 years of painting daily, I was feeling over-run by canvases. I switched to watercolors to save space.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Most of the ideas for my paintings come directly from childhood stories and emotions. I often choose birds or animal images to represent people. I paint to rework the stories. I look at them honestly from an adult’s point of view, make peace with them and feel grateful for the experience.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? My favorite piece will always be Fats and The Raven. The image is of a ventriloquist’s dummy from the 1978 movie “Magic”. This painting will forever remind me to pay attention. Too often things are not what they appear to be.
The Owl Dreams of Mondrian, Acrylic on canvas
What is one of your artistic goals? I’ve just completed my second children’s book. My goal is to figure out how to get them out into the world.
What’s your favorite place to see art? I love to see art in local galleries. It inspires me to see what my peers are up to and to cheer them on in their pursuits.
Do you own any art by other artists? Yes. mostly by local artists I admire.
See More Donna!
Website: donna-howard.com
Instagram: donnahowardartist
Facebook: donnahowardsart