Heavens

Everyone should play with molding paste and acrylics-what fun!

Art and image copyright 2009 by Traci Donahue- all rights reserved.

Earth, Water, Wind, & Fire

I struggled with this concept/design for a while until I pulled the triangles into the water and then inspiration from my favorite painter, Gustav Klimt, took over.

Art and image copyright 2009 by Traci Donahue - all rights reserved.

Four Seasons

Art and image copyright 2009 by Traci Donahue - all rights reserved.

Landscape by Palette Knife

I have been working on a lot of small, detailed work lately and my husband has been working on a huge 4'x6' abstract piece. So, I figured, why should he have all of the fun? I only allowed myself to use a palette knife, no brushes or sketching, and it was just plain fun!

Posted for Traci Donahue by Purplebirdart

Art and images copyright 2009 by Traci Donahue

Sea of Zippers

Posted for Traci Donahue

Art and images copyright 2009 by Traci Donahue

Cabinet of Curiosities

Art and images copywrite 2009 by Traci Donahue

Reptile

Art and images copyright by Traci Donahue 2008

Fauna - Happy Giraffe

Art and images copyright 2008 by Traci Donahue

Northern Flicker

This months theme was definitely a challenge for me. I researched the theme with the information Tracie sent out and knew I would be going completely out of my comfort zone. I draw with my students all of the time, but to do a complete piece without all of my funky colors and design? The thought caused heart palpitations! But I dove in yesterday and here is my study of a little Northern Flicker using acrylics, pen & ink and colored pencil. I hope it fulfills the requirements of the theme. I was already so far out of my box, I couldn't travel any further.

Art and image copyrighted 2008 by Traci Donahue

September Flora

Art and image copyrighted by Traci Donahue 2008

Crab

I loved the theme this month!

I couldn't stop with just one and actually have also created a bee, beetle, lobster, and another owl in the same format. Those can be viewed soon at www.sixthstreetgallery.com.

To answer a few questions on my work-I begin each piece with a sketch on graph paper, I then transfer that image onto board and add all of the details with pencil. I use a gouache/acrylic paint because it is very opaque and solid in color. And to complete the piece I outline everything with a technical pen.

Thank you for all of the positive comments on my owl! I was very nervous to show the piece since it was so different from the other entered pieces.

Art and image copyrighted 2008 by Traci Donahue

Owl by Traci Donahue

This artwork was painted with acrylics.

Art and image copyrighted 2008 by Traci Donahue