Donna Lee

Donna grew up in Napier, New Zealand where from a young age she spent her time riding and competing horses. She was surrounded in her childhood home by various different animals, including cats, pet ducks, sheep and birds which laid the foundations for a strong connection and affinity with the animal world, which is very apparent once one views her paintings as her ability to portray the very essence of each animal she paints, in whatever style she chooses is outstanding.

In painting her realism pieces Donna uses the 'wet on wet' oil painting method, moving fast to finish each piece, which depending on size takes approximately 3-7days. She loves to use the play of dark against light and to really emphasize certain colours so as to allow the animal to almost come off of the canvas.

Her palette knife style on large canvases with bold backgrounds allows Donna the freedom to really play with colour and her own creativity. Allowing her to portray movement in the pieces and enticing the viewer to see their own interpretation. She moves very fast, using thick buttery oil paint, allowing colours to blend and melt together.

Currently she is in the process of playing with various different ideas, allowing herself to truly let emerge onto the canvas what will. She is enjoying this process as it takes away the thinking and allows her to connect with her heart and soul painting more intuitively.

View Donna Lee's art page