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Gallery

Original Artwork

Becoming an artist was a dream I have held quietly in my heart since I was a little girl. My inspiration almost always comes from the world around me. The animals, rodeo images, florals and other choices of subject matter I paint all connect me to different aspects of life.

Horses hold a special place in my heart and have ever since I can remember. Their spirit, strength and undeniable beauty inspire me in ways words cannot express. Now about those bulls, there is something undeniably compelling to me about the power and presence of the bucking bulls. On a personal level one of my son’s rode bulls and through that experience has added an extra layer of fascination. The danger and intensity of the sport only deepened my appreciation, making each painting a tribute to the power and nature of them. Whether it’s the animals I love, the quiet beauty of the florals that inspire me or images in life that speak to me along the way. I seek to bring the same level of intensity and connection into every piece I create.

As a contemporary realism artist, I paint in layers, building each piece with charcoal, inks, spray paints, acrylic glazes, and sometimes even collage. Each layer adds its own texture and dimension, creating a depth that reflects the complexity of the subject. I finish my work in oil because I love the richness and depth it brings to the color, giving my paintings a life and vibrancy that feels true to the energy I’m trying to capture. I enjoy experiencing the alchemy of paint layers—the way each brush stroke, drip, and line holds potential energy, building upon the last. It’s a constant conversation between the materials and me, each piece unfolding in unexpected ways. While my work continues to evolve, one of my goals as an artist is to push my own boundaries with every new painting.

An accumulation of my life experiences is in the subjects I choose to paint. Each piece is shaped by the moments and emotions I’ve encountered throughout my journey.

My desire is to share with you what I see through my paintings, offering you, the viewer, a moment in that world. I believe there is beauty in resilience, and it’s found somewhere between grit and grace. This is life as I see it, a journey I’ve waited my whole life for, and I hope you enjoy my art.

-Donna Barnett, Morris