Tag: Amy Donaldson

  • The Artsy Nature: Yellowstone & Amy Donaldson

    The Artsy Nature: Yellowstone & Amy Donaldson

    Judging from the blog’s title & if you’ve been reading for awhile, you’ve probably guessed that Mr. F and I are the outdoorsy types.  We both thrive on time spent among the quiet beauty of the outdoors, whether surrounded by snow-capped mountains or digging our toes into the black sand of Northwest beaches.  I’m finding artistic inspiration in nature for my own series of work, so why not find it in the work of other artists, too?  Often when I see an artist’s work, my mind connects it to the memory of a place I’ve been or a detail observed or sometimes, an outdoor scene will call the artist’s work to mind.  It’s the whole chicken vs. egg thing, but this time, with art and nature.

    So with this post, I’m launching a new series, The Artsy Nature, in which I pair a photograph from our traverses in the great outdoors with a piece of artwork.

    TAN_Donaldson collage

    photo | spring at The Black Sand Basin, Yellowstone National Park by Artsy Forager

    art | Purpose by Amy Donalson

    One of my absolute favorite features in the wondrous beauty that is Yellowstone were the geysers and hot springs.  Algae and micro bacteria create gorgeously saturated coloration in the most heavenly palette.

    Nature is the most spectacular of canvases, isn’t it?  Look for more The Artsy Nature posts coming your way!

    Photo by Artsy Forager, art image credit linked above.

  • Scratching the Surface: Amy Donaldson

    Scratching the Surface: Amy Donaldson

    In my college painting classes, my painting prof used to always say that knew I was in class because he could literally hear me painting.  You see, I have a tendency to dig my brushes into the surface of the canvas, a sensation and sound I quite enjoy ( though it’s pretty tough on expensive brushes! ).  The work of Florida artist Amy Donaldson has that same kind of textural energy, I can almost hear the scrape of her brush and palette knife against the canvas.

    You're Beautiful by Amy Donaldson
    You’re Beautiful, mixed media on canvas, 60×60

    Donaldson’s process is one of an additive and subtractive back and forth between the palette, paint, and canvas.  Inspired by her ( and my! ) native state of Florida, Donaldson creates abstracts that hint at the broadness of a landscape, yet have the surface of an aged, graffiti covered wall.

    Adore by Amy Donaldson
    Adore, mixed media on canvas, 72×60
    Untitled by Amy Donaldson
    mixed media on canvas

    In expressive abstract quality of her work, Amy’s paintings let us get lost in the play of color, light, and texture, each bouncing our eyes in excitement across the canvases.

    In His Presence by Amy Donaldson
    In His Presence, mixed media on canvas, 60×72

    Would you like to see more of Amy Donaldson’s work?  Please check out her website and Facebook page.

    All images are via the artist’s website.  Artist found via Stellers Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.