2023
One week Studio Painting Workshop/ Retreat
Abstraction From Nature/ Studio sessions
June 5 - June 9, 2023
Grand Marais Art Colony, Founders Studio
located on Lake Superior's North Shore in Grand Marais, Minnesota
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 will provide guidance at every stage of the painting process and students will explore new directions and approaches supported through looking at works in progress, group feedback, and one-to-one review.
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
Private and small group painting/mentoring sessions in Artist's Studio, Northeast Minneapolis; Professional development , growing and sustaining your studio practice. Choose your artistic goals and reach them with studio time, structure, support, resources and mentoring.
Email dbcstudio@gmail.com learn more. Sessions scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays, 1pm, 3pm
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