Donna Barnett grew up in Kansas City and ever since she was a little girl she has loved to draw. As she got older her sketch book was a place where she could escape to anywhere her mind would take her. Donna developed a love for horses as a child and to this day they are still one of her favorite subjects to bring to life on canvas. She says, “When I create art, I feel like I’m in a space where I am understood and belong, being excepted just as I am. It’s a special kind of happiness to be able to stand in front of a finished painting of mine and share it with others.”

 Donna makes her home in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, with her Husband and family. When raising her children left her little time to draw and create, her camera became her muse and she began to document her family's life through the lens. She also began capturing the beauty in her surroundings and anything else that triggered her inspiration. Nowadays with all her children grown and with families of their own, she focuses on her art and her camera serves as a great source for her paintings.

Donna paints in layers using a variety of mixed media and always finishes with oil. She loves the depth and the richness in color it gives. Donna loves experiencing the alchemy of paint layers and the potential energy of each line, drip, and brush stroke. Her creative process is influenced by techniques and skills she developed while in the Mastery program at Milan Art Institute. It was there where she rediscovered the art of creative freedom, found her voice and developed her own technique and style. "Finding my own voice and understanding how deeply it speaks through my work is something I am very proud of. After wearing so many hats, some I chose and many I didn't, it was like finding the missing piece of me.”

While her work continues to evolve. Donna says, “One of my goals as an artist is to push my boundaries with each painting I create. The gratification I receive from creating one of my paintings and being able to share it with you, the viewer, is immeasurable.”

 Donna’s inspiration almost always comes from the world around her. You will find an accumulation of her life experiences in her choice of subject matter. Regardless of her subject matter she paints what she sees and what it means to her. She believes there are so many things in our busy lives missed because it takes time to see them. Her desire is to share with you what she sees through her paintings and to give the viewer a moment in that world. Donna has waited her whole life for this opportunity and hopes her paintings may reflect resilience, strength, beauty, and grace.

Donna’s work has inspired young artist’s and old alike. She says, “It is such an honor to be an inspiration to others.”

Donna has recently begun showing her original paintings and has been a part of the following shows:

Carefree Art & Wine Festival, Cave Creek, AZ, Chandler Art & Wine Festival, Chandler, AZ and Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas during the NFR, 2022 and 2023.

“I hope my art moves you, the viewer, the collector, and that my paintings give you a unique connection to the subject. So much of me goes into each of my paintings. I am blessed with each brush stroke I am able to take, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my art with you.”

Donna’s studio is located in San Tan Valley, AZ. 

Contact her via email artbydonnabarnett@gmail.com or her Instagram @artbydonnabarnett

Bringing resilience

and

grace into focus