Classes + Reviews
2023 Classes and Workshops
Studio Painting Workshop/ Retreat
Abstraction From Nature/ Studio sessions
June 5 to June 9, 2023
Grand Marais Art Colony, Founders Studio
located on Lake Superior's North Shore in Grand Marais, Minnesota
Update: This class is full. Waiting List open.
In this painting intensive, artists will create a series of abstract paintings inspired by visual studies, personal narratives, and elements of the North Shore landscape. Daily warm-up exercises and group exchange encourage new ways of seeing, with emphasis on interpreting color, form, light, texture, sound, and movement, in order to create a sense of place within the painted surface. Donna provides guidance at every stage of the painting process. Artists explore the artist's process, supported through looking at works in progress, group dialogue, Lerman critical response.
Open to artists working in all media, intermediate to advanced level.
Space is limited to allow individual work and wall space. Register at https://grandmaraisartcolony.org/events/abstraction-from-nature/
One to One Studio Painting Sessions
Schedule your studio time — Fun, creative time, celebrations, work sessions, artist led, collaborative themes. Individual and small group painting classes, all levels, in Artist's Studio.
Art Mentor Sessions — Focus on fundamentals of visual language, abstract painting, understanding artist process, authenticity, personal language and style, color theory, content, context, composition. Email dbcstudio@gmail.com for details, what to bring, what to expect.
Sessions scheduled Mon. - Fri., some Saturdays available
2 hr. sessions, $175.00; 3 sessions $500.00.
Reviews + Responses
"I attended Donna's class at GMAC. Donna is a gifted, generous guide and helped nurture my painting practice. I see things differently now!"
— Jane B., Minnetonka, MN
"Thank you for the support, push, advice and believing in my ability as an artist."
— Ruth S., Portland, OR
"I want to let you know what a spectacular time I had at the retreat...feels as though I've found an opening. Thank you for creating the space for that to happen."
— Amanda H., Laguna, CA
"I so enjoyed your help with my shift to oils and that process, as well as all the other parts of the workshop, including the thought processes you outlined in the beginning and your encouragement along the way. "
– Lonnie K., Brainerd, MN
"Donna is very intuitive and generous with her time and encouragement. She helped me figure out a way to explore and expand a series of work that was kind of stalled and the results were very satisfying."
— Francene C., Dallas, TX
"There have been a few amazingly nurturing and breakthrough moments in my life as an artist. I would consider the year plus I spent at Studio 600 with Donna one of them. My abilities as an artist were stretched and honed."
— Savita B., St. Paul, MN
"You have created a welcoming, supportive and enriching environment. Whatever group of painters is present a sense of community seems to develop. Thank you Donna for sharing your lovely creative space and your self so generously."
— Vicky S., Bloomington, MN
"Donna’s critiques are thoughtful, informative and encouraging. I feel her knowledge of painting and process is extensive, which she freely shares."
— Ron D., St. Paul, MN
"Donna's daily warm up lessons focus on expressing inner thoughts, experiences, and emotions with paint while encouraging each student to develop their own individual painting style."
— Jane J., Oconomowoc, WI
"Working in Donna’s studio with her and the group has been a great experience for me and has enriched my whole approach to my art."
— Larry R., Minneapolis, MN