Donna moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado, and ultimately to Golden West, in 2018. She brought with her an impressive array of paintings—many of them her paintings—and including a few from some of her favorite artists. Her apartment on the west side of the Towers, feels a bit like entering a museum. The selection of her pieces includes several beautiful scenes she painted while in Ireland and from visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

Donna is a mostly self-taught artist, though she has taken some instruction to learn more about the different paint types and tools of the trade. She has painted for years, often traveling with a portable easel (which is still tucked in a corner of her apartment, ready for action if the chance arises). While she has done numerous portraits, her landscapes dominate the walls of her apartment.

Donna agreed to share her passion for drawing and painting with others living at Golden West after being approached by a resident who asked if she would take over for another art teacher who was leaving the role. While she’s not “trained” to be a teacher, she’s enjoyed the experience of teaching about eight people who come to draw, paint and learn more about practicing art. 

Classes are held twice a month on Wednesdays at 1pm (though what is scheduled for an hour often runs long, she confessed). She said that some of the people who attend are “naturals” at drawing. Donna starts by focusing on teaching proportions, color, shape and spacing with their work. And she encourages people to keep their work so they can follow their progress. “People are so creative, and some of their work is really good. Overall, we enjoy being together during the class and it’s been fun to do,” Donna said.

Donna continues to draw on her own time, and she is also working on a book (her third), this one about her own life story. Donna has two grown sons, one lives in the Denver area, and is an artistic welder. Her oldest son lives in Baltimore and travels the world as a classical pianist. 

Donna is clearly passionate about her art, and Golden West is fortunate to have her share that passion with other residents.