Artist Donna Peters
Painting with Emotion and the Pure Joy of Living
by
Gwen Howlett, for Fine Art Registry®
Artist Donna Peters is a charming woman who has immersed herself in rich cultural and historical experiences that are dramatically displayed in her compositions. Watercolor painting, crisp and clear, to deeply rich detailed paintings of historical significance, are only a part of her vast body of work. Her personal dedication to excellence in her artwork has earned her a reputation that is admirable and an inspiration to all. Donna Peters describes herself as a "blonde over 60", but you would never guess that by her busy schedule that encompasses travel, teaching and of course her marvelous painting. She is truly a shining example to those who believe they are beyond being creative!
Artist, Donna Peters. (FAR® Registered Artist)
As Donna Peters so aptly describes her vision:
"My life as an artist is one based on passion for my desire to create. At 64 years of age, I can now see where consciously or subconsciously, I have taken a direct and often very brave course of action to live the life I now have. The work it takes to turn that desire into a mature ability is up to the individual. If we fail to follow that desire, we can become depressed and angry. I feel that all artists are self taught. You can join a group or class to be inspired, but unless you have the desire to learn and the determination to stay with the course, you most likely will not become a real artist."
The Lonely Fisherman, by artist Donna Peters. (FAR® ID #32479)
North Alabama is home to Mrs. Peters. As her career progressed she required a studio with more space and a peaceful atmosphere in a quiet location. Collectors far and wide have been enchanted by her LandMark Series, art that is embedded in the details of history and features representations of the Southeast United States and the Great Lakes region. Along with each of this series is an information page containing details about the image as well Mrs. Peters own personal experiences while creating the piece on location.
Hay House, by artist Donna Peters. (FAR® ID #32493)
Donna attended the University of Alabama where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Prior to releasing her first fine art edition she was Curator of Exhibits with the University of Alabama in the Alabama Natural History Museum. It was during this period that she earned a Kellogg Fellowship to study at the Field Museum in Chicago. This in turn led to International travel, including; France, Italy and Honduras as well as other countries. This of course has guided her to a wonderful international enhancement of her compositions.
Donna states that:
"Over the past decades, I have had many gracious offers to sign contracts with many of the larger art promoters. I never accepted any of their offers as I noticed that many contracts did result in great visibility and productivity, but I also observed that the careers lasted an average of three years. As business people and production companies, they have to constantly be offering a new "best seller." I have been very content to follow my own inspiration. I see my art career as a life long vocation of which I must nurture and protect from fad and trend. With such a theory, I have accepted the obvious business responsibilities. My enthusiasm for what I paint is my own best sales technique. With the help of a very dedicated husband, we maintain an extensive mailing list of collectors and friends. We work to share new works of art via the mail and internet. Our web site has replaced brochures in the past 15 years which has been a wonderful blessing."
Donna has a practice of planning a special project for each summer, which she finds expands her art portfolio as well as enriching and rewarding her life. She spends months on location along the Gulf Coast. Then as each summer approaches, plans are made to travel to foreign lands to sketch and paint, she relishes the adventure and growth that is the ultimate result. Immersing herself in the local culture is evident in her stunning plein-air compositions that encompass wonderful indigenous scenes.
'I have published (a fine art limited editions, lithographs and giclee) almost 200 titles during my career as a professional artist. I have found over the years that there is no easy way to let the world know about my art without hard work... art shows and festivals. 15- 30 weekends each year are set aside to participate in festivals where I feel my art is appreciated the most. This kind of work is not for the faint hearted or those waiting to be discovered. Knowing your buyer is just as important as their knowing you. After years of establishing relationships with my collectors, one by one, I have found their friendship has been an unexpected bonus and blessing."
The Friendship Oak, by artist Donna Peters. (FAR® ID #27153)
Visiting Donna's website is a delight in itself. www.donnapeters.com. Displayed are numerous creations that are more than a treat for the eyes, accompanying them are short descriptions and quotes from Donna that are heartwarming. Also described are her classes that are offered and intended for anyone who is interested in learning how to paint. It is so inviting that even those who aren't artistically inclined would be tempted to join her in her classes, just for the experience!
Artist, Donna Peters, and her husband.
(On her website Donna instructs her buyers and artists alike.)
*FAR (FineArtRegistry.com) is a service to artists and collectors.
The "provenance" of a work of art can add value and protection to a registered work of art.
A "provenance" is a record of ownership. If it is established by the artist, it adds a record of ownership.
In our digital world, it is easy to record such information as public record.
Buyers and art dealers can quickly check the records to check the origin of ownership
before buying or selling works of value. We register our originals in excess $500. value at the time of the sale from the artist.
Donna relates how she found Fine Art Registry®:
"I found FAR through a flyer on a canvas. I had tried using another such program years ago. While the merit and value of registration of an original work of art is important, it must be made where the artist and the buyer/owner of the art can manage their ownership. I found that the FAR program has worked very well. I enjoy sharing the program and meaning of a "provenance" with my collectors. They like the added record of ownership and appreciate the distinction it offers.
I have registered all originals I have created in the last year and have even gone back to register some I have in my own personal collection. The FAR service is great for American works of art since our nation has not always documented or acknowledged major works of art. I feel art is vital to the history of our nation and the American culture.
I certainly intend to continue my registration of every new original works of art. I feel I owe it to the art as well as each new owner"
An example of Just One of Donna Peters Classes:
Oil Painting on The Gulf Coast
Carrabelle, FL
May 24 - 28, 2010
(arrive evening of 24th, depart morning of 28th)
This class is a favorite among all those who paint with Donna Peters. Lodging is in a local hotel that is affordable and convenient.
Classes held in Carrabelle where life is easy and you can hear the birds, watch the sunsets. This is the "forgotten coast" and we love sharing it with our classes.
Learn to paint in oil like the old masters.
Sharing the reasons for her success, Donna offers this sage advice:
"Success is doing what we enjoy doing. I paint only things I like. A passion for the subject is more powerful and than a combination of colors. The other half of success is knowing and appreciating the wonderful people who collect my art. I try to always let them know how important they are to me and my life's work. They are most wonderful people on earth."
Beach Dreams (aka: Sugar Beach), by artist Donna Peters. (FAR® ID #27172)
The oil original of
Beach Dreams is now in a good home along the coast.
It is large and the gold frame is massive. It has a handcrafted liner covered in rough cotton.
Artist Donna Peters recognizes the importance of maintaining a permanent record and online database for her compositions. Her website states the following of "Beach Dreams":
The original is a registered work of art. Registering works of art is good for several reasons. It provides a written record of ownership for extra security as well as creates the "provenance" which in the years to come will add value in a record of ownership. As more import art floods the USA, works by American artists will gain a special significance. The history of America can be protected through works of fine art. (Inspired by the
Washaway House in Grayton Beach, FL)
Alabama's Chimes, by artist Donna Peters. (FAR® ID #32490)
"As I write this letter to the followers of FAR, I am teaching a plein air oil workshop on the Gulf Coast. We will spend one week totally immersed in painting the natural beauty of "The Forgotten Coast." Following the workshop, my husband and I will travel to the south of France for several weeks where I will paint everyday on location. Once I return and register each original, I will first make them available to those on my personal mailing list of collectors. I have set my personal goals for the trip. Life is short and there are so many more things I want to paint!
If you have the passion to be an artist, I hope you find the courage to follow your heart!"
Artist, Donna Peters.
Donna's heartfelt advice to artists and collectors alike is wise and knowledgeable. We are honored indeed to have her as one of our valued members.
Visit Donna's website and FAR gallery to see more of her incredible work!
— by Gwen Howlett
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June 1, 2010
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The views and opinions of individual authors/contributors expressed on the FAR® web site do not necessarily state or reflect those views and/or opinions of Fine Art Registry® or its agents or subsidiaries.
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