Donna Higgins Colson
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“My soul takes flight in paint, and I soar”
Color is one of my earliest memories. At age twelve, when I combined use of color with oil paint, it seemed like magic–and it still does. After years of “looks like” work in watercolor, I realized that oils truly were my passion and returned to them with a palette that has brightened over time into the use of pure colors applied in a variety of ways. It doesn’t matter whether I paint birds or bears, butrather their forms give me a chance to play with color. They are all celebrations and affirmations of those things in our lives that give us joy.
I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful area where nature still comes close to us. I’m always thrilled when I see a great blue heron flying past or working the ditches..Just watching a common gull or a group of pelicans skimming the waves evokes the atmosphere of the sea, rivers and sounds. My goal is to capture with color and form the amazement I feel in seeing these creatures in their natural habitat.
Over time, I’ve been influenced by many artists as I’ve searched for my own personal painting vision. Two devoted hard working colorists come to mind: Northern Virginia artist, Maggie Siner, and fellow Northeast North Carolina artist, Margie Sawyer. Historically there are many more who have inspired me with their lives and work: Wayne Theibald, Lovis Corinth, Alma Thomas, Romare Bearden, Wolf Kahn and many others.
Gallery Representation:
Chowan Arts Council, 200 East Church Street, Edenton, NC 27932 / 252-482-8005 / ww.chowanarts.org
Indian Town Gallery, State Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920 / 252-995-5181 / www.indiantowngallery.com
KDH Cooperative Gallery, 502 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 / 252-441-9888 /kdhcooperative@earthlink.net / www.kdhcooperative.com
Pasquotank Arts Council, 609 E. Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 / 252-338-6455 / mail@pasquotank.org / www.pasquotankarts.org
Perquimans Art League, North Church Street, Hertford, NC 27944 / 252-426-3041 / www.PerquimansArtsLeague.com
Red Rabbit Gallery, 103 W. Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 / 252-331-2700 / dru@cetlaw.com / www.redrabbitartgallery.com