I come from a family of artists and knew at a very young age that I wanted to be an artist too. While other kids were out riding scooters and playing baseball, I was in my room drawing and painting. My biggest influence was my dad, an architect and an artist. I was also inspired by my Aunt Vivian, a watercolor artist and my grandmother, a weaver. My favorite artist and biggest hero is my sister, Eleanor McGough, who is a professional artist in Minneapolis.
I earned a BFA in Jewelry Design at University of Idaho in 1978, and a BA in Art Education in 1979. After teaching art for 34 years, I am now retired and working a professional artist.
Watercolor is my primary medium, but I love to paint on glass as well. Although I paint a variety of subjects, most of my paintings are figurative and often suggest stories with their characters. I started my “Best Friends” series a few years ago using my friends and family as inspiration for my paintings. Many of these paintings reflect my feelings about aging. It is frustrating, painful and inevitable. So I paint with heavy dose of denial along with a heaping brush full of humor. I am currently working on Best Friends, Part 3, where I continue to celebrate my age, favorite memories, friends and family in my new work.
Thanks to all of you that have supported my Best Friends series by purchasing my paintings, prints and cards. You have kept me motivated to continue.
Margaret Donat joined Fine Art America on February 16th, 2011.
