Donna Naes

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Saint Louis, Missouri, and presently reside in Roseville, California. As a retired businesswoman, I am now following my heart in a career as an artist, having received the gift of a space to move forward in. Making art & teaching the art of making memories – by travel journaling.
My life’s travels have taken me cross-country from the mid-west, to the southwest and subsequently to the pacific-west. These journeys in life have provided me a wide range of exposure in both personal and cultural experiences, which I believe are expressed in the context of my work.
Over the past 40 years, from high school art classes through intermittent adult-ed courses, I have ‘played’ with watercolor, ceramics, tole-painting, both oil and acrylic, and now I have come once again full circle ~ back to watercolor, pen & ink & acrylic.

A collection of art supplies, books and magazines, and my enjoyment of creating reminders of the places I’ve been, spans the decades ~ and each in its own way has traveled with me to each respective location. Tools & spirit ready and waiting for just the right time.
When I was not actively involved with painting (or drawing) over the years, the creative muse was indeed kept busy and managed to express itself everywhere possible, regardless of whether I was writing, preparing business reports, or balancing the never ending needs and requirements of a working wife and mother.
Now ~ I’m finally here, where I certainly believe I was meant to be all along, doing work that I love and sharing it with all. It is finally time!
I hope that my work brings to you a feeling of familiarity, or visions that stir distant memories - like joyful times with friends and family, a day spent at the beach (deep in the woods, in a field or meadow), at the coffee shop on the corner, or sitting on your porch admiring the beauty in the views that surround you.
And if it does, then the purpose of my work has been accomplished.
-Donna
More work can be seen by visiting my Web Gallery at www.donnanaes.com
6. Yosemite Meadow 11x15 Pen & Brush - INK [$375]
7. Tunias In Pot 7x5 Pen & Ink, with W