Artyczar
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Welcome to the spotlight feature for April (2022) where we are very proud to present artist-member Donna Timm. We've all know her as Donna T here on the forums for a while now, but now we have a chance to get to know her better! Plus, we get to see a few pieces of her absolutely beautiful works of art.
We asked Donna ten questions and loved how she answered each and every one. So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of water, or your favorite fermented liquid courage, and enjoy reading about this seriously skilled artist who we are thrilled and honored to have with us as a member on Creative Spark.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m from the Buffalo, NY area and I live in Meridian, Idaho as of last year. I lived in Maryland and Virginia as well as a few years in Iceland and Munich, Germany.
How did you get your start in art?
Art was always my favorite class in school. I had a kind-hearted art teacher in high school who let me hang out in the art room instead of suffering through viola lessons. A figure drawing class with live models was the highlight of my college art experience. It was much less stressful than the chemistry and biology classes I had to take.
"Hilltop Barn," pastels, 10 x 7 inches.
Who are your artistic influences?
My earliest artistic influence was Bob Ross on TV. I made it a point not to miss his show because it was the only art show available. When I lived in Maryland, I met an oil painter named Anne Snyder. She invited me to go plein air painting with her at a time when I didn’t know what the term meant. What an eye opener! Her dedication to painting outdoors was a huge influence on me at a time when I was doing little more than copying photos. A few years ago, I became friends with Barbara Noonan, a pastel artist who lives in the Seattle area. Her work is loose, lively and full of expression. Just seeing how she interprets a landscape or a still life keeps me motivated to be more expressive with my own work.
"House Hunters," pastels, 12 x 15 inches.
Can you run us through your art-making process?
My process when working in pastels (my primary medium) usually begins with some sort of sketch or Notan to work out a composition and design. I work either on a commercial sanded paper like UArt, or I prepare a surface on heavy watercolor paper with pumice gel. An underpainting is the next essential step for me. Brushing rubbing alcohol or cheap vodka over this initial layer liquifies it and creates soft washes of color. From there I apply layers of color while allowing some of the underpainting colors to show through for interest and depth. I’m learning to use oils and acrylics and find that I gravitate toward the application of layers much the same as with pastels.
"Hickory," pastels, 12 x 8 inches.
What styles of art do you like to create?
I make representational paintings for the most part but am very attracted to work that hovers on the border between abstraction and representation. Landscapes are my preferred subjects and I try to depict more than a literal view; I hope to suggest a mood or feeling that everyone can relate to as well. I’ve done a few abstracts but am very much in the learning phase with them. It’s such a challenge to begin a painting when I don’t know what it’s about and I’m learning to let the painting lead me instead of imposing my will on it.
"Far From Home," pastels, 14 x 18 inches.
What would you say is your philosophy about being an artist?
If I have a philosophy about being an artist, it is that we all have something unique to say and there is no right way or wrong way to say it.
Outside of art, what do you like to do?
I like to bake and have been making dog biscuits for the two new puppies in my family. So far they approve of my efforts but then they eat just about anything!
What is something that motivates you that might sound surprising?
I am motivated by views of the mountains that I now have here in Idaho. There were no peaks to observe throughout the day in central NY where I moved from last year. I notice how different they look depending on the weather and time of day. On clear nights the lights from a distant ski lift appear to float in the air and that seems quite magical to me. The great distances that can be seen in the desert inspire me to create more depth in my landscapes – and I must learn how to paint sage brush.
"Autumn," oils, 9 x 18 inches.
If you could give advice to a new artist starting out (or any artist), what would it be?
Advice for a new artist would be to not compare your work to anyone else’s. Learn and grow at your own pace.
Lastly, do you have a website, and/or social media platforms you would like to promote?
I used to have a website but let it go a few years ago. I don’t post on Facebook or Instagram. I show my work on Creative Spark and enjoy the interaction here.
A big thank you to Ayin (Artyczar) and all who make this site possible and keep it up and running!
Donna, you are very welcome, and thank you so very much for your wonderful art and for participating in our little community. We really appreciate it.
We asked Donna ten questions and loved how she answered each and every one. So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of water, or your favorite fermented liquid courage, and enjoy reading about this seriously skilled artist who we are thrilled and honored to have with us as a member on Creative Spark.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m from the Buffalo, NY area and I live in Meridian, Idaho as of last year. I lived in Maryland and Virginia as well as a few years in Iceland and Munich, Germany.
How did you get your start in art?
Art was always my favorite class in school. I had a kind-hearted art teacher in high school who let me hang out in the art room instead of suffering through viola lessons. A figure drawing class with live models was the highlight of my college art experience. It was much less stressful than the chemistry and biology classes I had to take.
"Hilltop Barn," pastels, 10 x 7 inches.
Who are your artistic influences?
My earliest artistic influence was Bob Ross on TV. I made it a point not to miss his show because it was the only art show available. When I lived in Maryland, I met an oil painter named Anne Snyder. She invited me to go plein air painting with her at a time when I didn’t know what the term meant. What an eye opener! Her dedication to painting outdoors was a huge influence on me at a time when I was doing little more than copying photos. A few years ago, I became friends with Barbara Noonan, a pastel artist who lives in the Seattle area. Her work is loose, lively and full of expression. Just seeing how she interprets a landscape or a still life keeps me motivated to be more expressive with my own work.
"House Hunters," pastels, 12 x 15 inches.
Can you run us through your art-making process?
My process when working in pastels (my primary medium) usually begins with some sort of sketch or Notan to work out a composition and design. I work either on a commercial sanded paper like UArt, or I prepare a surface on heavy watercolor paper with pumice gel. An underpainting is the next essential step for me. Brushing rubbing alcohol or cheap vodka over this initial layer liquifies it and creates soft washes of color. From there I apply layers of color while allowing some of the underpainting colors to show through for interest and depth. I’m learning to use oils and acrylics and find that I gravitate toward the application of layers much the same as with pastels.
"Hickory," pastels, 12 x 8 inches.
What styles of art do you like to create?
I make representational paintings for the most part but am very attracted to work that hovers on the border between abstraction and representation. Landscapes are my preferred subjects and I try to depict more than a literal view; I hope to suggest a mood or feeling that everyone can relate to as well. I’ve done a few abstracts but am very much in the learning phase with them. It’s such a challenge to begin a painting when I don’t know what it’s about and I’m learning to let the painting lead me instead of imposing my will on it.
"Far From Home," pastels, 14 x 18 inches.
What would you say is your philosophy about being an artist?
If I have a philosophy about being an artist, it is that we all have something unique to say and there is no right way or wrong way to say it.
Outside of art, what do you like to do?
I like to bake and have been making dog biscuits for the two new puppies in my family. So far they approve of my efforts but then they eat just about anything!
What is something that motivates you that might sound surprising?
I am motivated by views of the mountains that I now have here in Idaho. There were no peaks to observe throughout the day in central NY where I moved from last year. I notice how different they look depending on the weather and time of day. On clear nights the lights from a distant ski lift appear to float in the air and that seems quite magical to me. The great distances that can be seen in the desert inspire me to create more depth in my landscapes – and I must learn how to paint sage brush.
"Autumn," oils, 9 x 18 inches.
If you could give advice to a new artist starting out (or any artist), what would it be?
Advice for a new artist would be to not compare your work to anyone else’s. Learn and grow at your own pace.
Lastly, do you have a website, and/or social media platforms you would like to promote?
I used to have a website but let it go a few years ago. I don’t post on Facebook or Instagram. I show my work on Creative Spark and enjoy the interaction here.
A big thank you to Ayin (Artyczar) and all who make this site possible and keep it up and running!
Donna, you are very welcome, and thank you so very much for your wonderful art and for participating in our little community. We really appreciate it.
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Thanks for such nice words and yes, the art road has many interesting detours, doesn't it?
Thanks for participating and sharing your experiences and processes, Donna. 
I'm so glad you're here!
