At different times on Donna’s art journey she has experienced tremendous success and also experienced dark periods where she doubted she could ever be a creative artist and should just quit. In module 1 you will see images that represent Donna’s art journey.  You will see where she started as a watercolour artist, and over the years changed her painting medium, and added collage. You will see videos of her studio and Japanese gardens and Zen greenhouse outside.

Donna believes you can’t separate yourself from your art. In this module you will begin to excavate who you are through a series of creative exercises and written tasks to bring an awareness of your personality traits… good, bad, physical and emotional. Once you become more conscious and aware of your inner self, your artwork will become more personal and unique. 

The expression ‘sense of place’ comes from the vivid sensory impressions, memories and influences we derive from a certain place. By exploring your sense of place, whether from memories or travel experiences, or your current environment, you can discover more about yourself. Donna will share her place taking you on a tour of the woods and beach before sharing her collections with you. You’ll be invited to participate in a number of written exercises to uncover your science of place.  

Making choices, based on your likes and dislikes and based on what fits your nature and personality, will help your work become more recognisable as your work and make your work more unique and more personal to everyone who views your work.

After looking at examples of the elements and principles of design you will be able to focus on a few elements like colour or value or shape or texture and apply some principles like balance, contrast, dominance or movement to your own work.   You will choose what best fits your own expression and then be consistent with every art work you create.

Creativity is the process of making a new idea your own, or generating new ideas or new ways to do something.  This can include finding a new method to complete an old task or generating something that is totally new. Creative activities help us acknowledge and celebrate our own uniqueness and diversity.  Creativity encourages self-expression and a way to create something new from personal experiences and feelings. Donna guides you through a series of activities and shares further resource guides to expand your reactive thinking.

In this section Donna will talk about the universal feelings most artists go through on a daily basis in their studios. Because the creative process ignites our innermost hopes, needs, fears and dreads, it can be an exhilarating AND challenging experience. Donna will address how artistic blocks are understandable and reasonable responses to your past experiences, and how normal your present fears are about your future.

Once you are aware of how your blocks are actually your efforts at self-preservation, you can determine what you need to do to move beyond these fears.  

Every new project or series an artist starts, begins in the dark. Everyone needs a map when they begin a new journey, or exploration or experimentation.  By identifying your personality, likes, strengths, elements and principles of design… you have begun making your personal map to help guide you along the way.  In this module Donna will share with you her thoughts on working in a series. You will see examples of handmade books where Donna expresses her content with the subject matter and see images of her work in a series. 

You have been on a journey of discovery.  You know much more about yourself and your creative life.  You have a much better understanding of your direction, focus and intent…your work can become more meaningful and expressive and connect with others. Recognisable work is very important to your success as an artist.  The more personal and recognisable your work becomes, the more authentic your work will become and others will respond to your authenticity. In this section, you will write down your goals.  You will learn the difference between a biography and an artist statement.  You will find out what elements to include in a portfolio… a resume, statement, bio, images.