Donna Wallace
 A
native of Kirkland, I consider the Pacific Northwest to be the most
wonderful part of the country! Of course I’m biased, but the
moderate temperatures, green landscapes, the ability to go from
ocean to snow-covered mountains to eastern Washington desert all in
the space of an hour or two... well, it suits me, so I’ll always
call this place home.
I have loved drawing and painting since I was young, and actually I
can’t recall a time when I wasn’t doodling, sketching or drawing
little cartoons. Through junior high and high school I was active in
art classes, but later in college I was determined to keep my
artistic side relegated to hobby status – most likely just a
backlash of my parents insisting that my profession should be
something in the realm of art! Eventually, though, I happened to
take an elective drawing class and was surprised to find that I
received real encouragement by those who’s talents I respected. I
took a tentative step towards a focus on that area of study, then
gained momentum as I realized that I had both a talent and interest
in various aspects of art (hmmm, it appears my parents were right!).
Going down that path I graduated with a degree in Drawing and
Painting, later a degree in Commercial Art, and after working at
several design studios I landed at a local software company in the
days when it wasn’t required to have any computer skills to get a
good job. And so, while my “day job” settled into digital layout
(and later software interaction design), I continued painting fine
art... sometimes a little... sometimes a lot....
My work today shows my love of drawing, particularly in my floral
pieces; more specifically the sense of flowing lines following the
motion of hand & arm as they sweep down the page. It is rare that I
paint anything without first working out an underdrawing orlater
touching colored pencil to paint in order to refine the linear
expression. Another recurring theme that I love to explore is the
juxtaposition of abstract pattern with very structured, detailed and
“realistic” elements or subjects. The interaction and layering of
these two opposites fascinates me and lends a depth to the work. I
think that this is why I’ve gravitated to the technique of using
watercolor on crinkled masa paper: the watercolor will find it’s own
way of expressing itself if I relax and don’t try to over-restrain
it. The further application of layered paint and colored pencil add
tone and detail which is a perfect counterpoint in my eyes for the
random backdrop. Whether painting trees, florals or dancing fairies,
behind all my work is a combination of playful abstraction, flowing
line and finely drawn details. |
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