In the art world, there is a language one must learn. Outline translates to contour. Form to mass. Lightness or darkness of an image to value. Color = hue. In the pastel world, the surface you apply your pastel to is referred to as support.  There are an array of supports one can use... sanded surface, un-sanded surface, prepared surface with a grit substance called gesso.  Each has its own unique properties when receiving the application of pastel. I have tried them all and am convinced that SUPPORT MATTERS... Support matters....in life, too. Sometimes it's the make it or break it moment when the support you ask for is given or not... As a parent of two adult children who are in the productive "making it" phase of their lives, I am their cheerleader. I am their support. Their coach. Every moment is an opportunity to make their day .... or break it. Support matters.  As an artist, I am selective to whom I reach out to for support...Usually it is my fellow artists who offer the best support...they've been there. Making art is a solitary journey...even if you are in a studio full of others making art at the same moment. Each one of us is putting our creative juices out there for everyone to see...and judge. Be kind. Encouragement goes a long way for one to reach success......Support matters.   As a world citizen, how I live and make my footprint on the earth matters to me. I try to portray the beauty of my surroundings with my landscape paintings. I support the earth in my contributions to organizations that matter to me and the world.  https://www.nrdc.org https://earthjustice.org  Please check out these organizations to see the work they do to protect our environment.   Here is a recent painting now available! "Placidly Purple" http://donnatheresafineart.com    I love to paint birds and animals. I am a fierce advocate for humane treatment of all animals big and small. I contribute monthly to this organization and by supporting me you also contribute!  https://www.humanesociety.org "Fur Baby" http://donnatheresafineart.com    As a concerned ally of people of color and marginalized communities, I have intimate knowledge and experience having raised children, now adults, who are different in our world. Of course, to me , they are perfect! Unfortunately, some people perceive others different from them a threat .I support the organization, Southern Poverty Law Center, whose mission is to fight hate and teach tolerance. You can check out their work here: https://www.splcenter.org    I so hope you have continued this far in your reading of my message to you. While I love to share my art with you, I thought it important for you to know who you are supporting when you support me!   I now have fine art prints available in my print shop! The originals of these prints have sold and so I now offer premium giclée prints among other products. Please check it out at: https://geogalleries.com/DonnaTheresaFineArt/   https://geogalleries.com/DonnaTheresaFineArt/15414/img/292579/     https://geogalleries.com/DonnaTheresaFineArt/15414/img/292557/ Thank you for taking the time to read my latest newsletter. Be safe, be well, and take good care of one another.  Much love to you and yours, Donna Theresa

Summer is Here!

"Gathering" Pastel 15.5 x 11.5 inches

"Ocean Beach"  9 x 12 inches

"Golden Evening" Pastel 9 x 12

In most of the country ( United States ) , summer is hot and sometimes humid...

Here in the coastal haven of Santa Cruz, our summers are naturally cool often waking to foggy mornings that give way to sunshine by midday.

When I first moved to this part of California coming from southern Cal, it was a bit dreary during the summer and I complained..  As time marched on and I aged a bit, I have come to cherish these cool mornings and evenings as it is nature's air- conditioning! I have become less tolerant of heat and so time has placed me in the perfect location!

These recent paintings are my newest additions to my portfolio. Seascapes are a new genre for me and I was spurned on to try them by artist friends and inspiration from other artists in my medium of soft pastel.  I may have found my muse... and to think, the inspiration is in my backyard!

How lucky am I!?

Check out my latest paintings on my gallery page @

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/donna-theresa-9223

Wishing you a cool summer!

Stepping Up My Game!

A Riverview Morning Walk  Pastel 10 x 17

Capitola Palms Pastel 14 x 10

 This past weekend I participated in The Capitola Plein Air Painting competition! For three days I awoke at dawn and headed out for a day of painting putting as much pastel onto paper as I could get done! I produced 8 paintings in 3 days! Phew, I am tired and taking a much needed breather!

Jetty At High Tide  Pastel 8 x 10

Morning Cliff Walk  Pastel 6 x 8

Rail or Trail  Pastel 10 x 11

The other participating artist were the best in this area and beyond, some having flown in to compete in this event! Intimidated? You bet! However, there is something I learned a long time ago in my dance training....if you want to improve, train with better dancers! So too, it is with art...I was honored to be juried into this competition and excited to paint alongside some seasoned professionals. 

Good News!

donnatheresafineart.com

Hello friends!!

I have a new website! Please come and take a look ! 

Maybe you'll fine as much joy as I find in creating this artwork!

Enjoy....