Sobre el Artista

I have finally arrived at a place where I can truly express, through my art, my love of landscape, my wonder of form and my fascination with creating the illusion of light. I am constantly amazed with each completed piece and gratified by its effect on the viewer. My work has become a journey that I take with each new painting, a journey that does not end when the work is first displayed but continues with each new viewer’s interpretation. My goal is to make a connection with the viewer whether through a shared visual scene or and abstract emotion. I believe that art is what happens in the space between the painting and the viewer. As you look at my work I want you to experience my emotions as well as your own and in that moment art is created. Don’s art education started in 1962 at the age of 12. In South Berwick, Maine, he attended oil painting classes in York, Maine with Edwin Booth. Don’s stepfather, well-known cartoonist and advertising artist Wilbur Bullock, was a strong influence on Don’s desire to become an artist. In high school, Don developed an interest in dry brush watercolors and was especially influenced by Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer. After high school, Don attended The Art Institute of Boston and took courses from The Famous Artist School. In 1976, Don enrolled in a portrait class at The Manchester Art Institute instructed by well known New England artist, James Aponovich. In the early 1980’s, Don began to use acrylics and developed an interest in science fiction painting. Redirecting his interest to aviation art in the late eighties, Don began exhibiting his work at air shows and art shows throughout New England. In 1990, Don won purchase prize awards at the Rochester Art in the Park Show and at The Portland, Maine Sidewalk Art Festival. Many of Don’s aviation paintings are included in private collections all over the country. In 1998 he refocused his attention back to his love of watercolors. That year he enrolled in a watercolor class at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. In December, at the Institute’s 100th Anniversary Student Exhibit, Don was awarded first place in the watercolor category. In 2004 Don took a giant step back to his first art instruction in 1962 by squeezing out some oil paints on a pallet and creating beautiful landscapes and seascapes. On Monhegan Island, Don studied with nationally recognized artist, Stan Moeller. Everything changed in 2007 when Don stepped out of traditional painting and into his own technique. It was a daring and bold move that was criticized by some in the art community but, with the support of his wife Susan, he persevered and today has a unique and recognizable style. Don's work is in collections all over the world. His approach to painting has captured the imagination of dozens of new collectors. Today he continues to experiment with new subject matter, a variety of mediums and new ways to expand the scope of his technique.