Artist of the Month - Mary Donald

This month, we’re delighted to feature Devon-based contemporary artist Mary Donald as our Artist of the Month. Mary began painting as a way to relax while her children were young and has since developed a distinctive, recognisable style that celebrates the beauty of the world through bold colours and expressive compositions. We recently spoke with Mary about her creative journey, the inspirations behind her work, and the tools and influences that shape her artistic practice. 

In an era awash with digitised images, Mary’s paintings stand out.

Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?

A. I live by the sea so the beach is my muse! But I am inspired by many other things too and I work through a cycle of themes that I keep coming back to. Chelsea Flower Show has got under my skin this week so I’m busy painting flowers, then from time to time I’ll crave an abstract stripe painting session and in the autumn months I enjoy getting cosy and dreaming up imaginary interiors using my watercolours.

Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?

A. I’m preparing for Devon Open Studios in September which I’ve entered as part of a collective. I work from my kitchen table at home so opening up my own studio space isn’t practical but joining a lovely group of artists up at Seaview Art Barn in Otterton is the perfect opportunity for me this year.

Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?

A. I paint to relax so my paintings are rarely anything other than my mind putting down on canvas happy feelings and good colours from my paint box. I wish I had a more high-brow answer for this one!

Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?

A. I have had lifelong crush on Matisse’s bright colours and ability to not overwork things and more recently we visited Ken Done’s gallery in Sydney and I still haven’t recovered from it! So bold and vivid! While my work is nothing like these two artists in style, I hope the sense of happiness in my art can be felt like it can be felt in much of theirs.

Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?

A. Every painting you create is an extension of who you are so I think it’s important to love your work and not talk negatively about it! I really think everything human-made, be it painted, sculpted, sewn, drawn etc is extremely special and needs to be celebrated and shown off. Life is too short not to.

Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?

A. I was super happy to have some of my artwork selected by the Art Group licensing agency for wall art and Museums & Galleries for greetings cards.

Q. What is your first memory of creating art?

A. Painting on an Early Learning Centre easel my Mum and Dad set up for me at home wearing a beret!

Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?

A. Looking after my mum who has been unwell, taxi-driving my three kids, weight training, Peloton and being a slave to my Golden Retriever (which should really go first on the list).

Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?

A. Hard to choose… anything with paints is enjoyable for me. The clearing up is the least enjoyable part!

Q. What is your dream project?

A. Painting bigger in a studio space would be a dream come true.

We are honoured to print Mary’s beautiful art and help share it with the world. Her colourful, uplifting paintings reflect her love of the coast, nature, and everyday moments, bringing a real sense of joy to her work.

As she prepares for Devon Open Studios and continues to develop her craft, we look forward to seeing what she creates next. You can explore more of Mary’s work and latest projects on her website and Instagram.