

Little One Lost




Donna Howard
I imagine myself a storyteller more than anything. The bright colors, noticeable from a distance, are the first lure. When you get closer to the curious characters they begin to tell a story, one that brings people joy and laughter. The painted stories are mine, but the universal emotional nature of humans means viewers see their own story inside. The multidimensionality makes it universally appealing to anyone who ever felt stuck, as I once did. My art explores life-changing decision-making, addiction and the quest to find the pieces of life worthy of exploring further. I’m aware of the quirkiness in my work. Without the whimsy the paintings wouldn’t make MY artistic statement; the laughter is the best part of the journey. I’m the Mad Hatter at my very own tea party, opening people up to the absurd and encouraging them to thoroughly enjoy it.







Where what when why how where…
18” x 24”
acrylic and ink on canvas
More
birds. These aren’t even cousins to the graceful Egret and WAY more
neurotic than the cockroach birds (plovers) that skitter along the beach
in what seems to be a single unit. They fly that way too. These birds
are children as I see them. All sized all needy all unwilling to allow
their parents to help completely. You know who you are my littles.





I was born into the Witness Protection Program so the details of my childhood have been kept from me for my own safety. I was released when it was discovered that I was never in any real danger at all. I was turned out into the street with a written apology, a pat on the head and a detailed invoice payable to the FBI for all that protection I never even needed. Talk about being behind before you even begin.


18" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
No Sharpie Marker required.
This painting has it's own story. If you care to listen I'll tell you. To read this painting start at the bottom left. Holidays have always been difficult for me. I hate getting things I don't need or want because someone else feels obligated. My philosophy on gifts? If you happen upon anything you KNOW someone would just love, BUY it, wrap it and give it to them because you love them. Holiday gift giving is too stressful so I don't do "The Mall". Look at me behind bars on the right. Between a rock and a hard place on the holiday issues. Nothing I do can change our culture of blind consumerism except support local businesses and artists I love. I just ordered a few Dead Fish Hats from a Canadian Artist and friend. I know exactly who they are for and they'll need these warm gifts before December 25. Top right, epiphany. Rethinking religions as a whole. None of them "work" for everyone. SO WHAT? If people could keep their nose out of other peoples beliefs then we'd actually have serious potential to get along. I have my own religion, but that story is for another day. Top left, light. Autonomy from other peoples rules. I've given myself permission to be me. Just me. Today I enjoy a daily feeling of personal freedom. A sense of confidence and security I wish you all find for yourselves.

Blues Guitar



Admit it. You all have a monster or two : ) Maybe yours look more like skeletons or a glimpse of something just solid enough to see but not quite believe. Here is the face of mine. Honestly. When I was a kid my monster hung out under my bed where I pretended the fiend read to me. I never actually SAW my creature of the night but I just knew it was there. I had to run and leap into bed so it wouldn’t get me by the ankle. Always the ankle.
It looks like I finally made peace with that particular demon when I put its kindly face on canvas. The Little Orphan Annie look-alike in the bed is a poke at my favoritest little sister Kathy. This orphan Annie isn’t the happy go lucky Broadway Annie or even the comic strip Annie. SHE is the “why the hell would you read this poem to a child” Little Orphant Annie.
paraphrased:
Little Orphant Annie's
come to our house to stay,
An' wash the cups an' saucers up,
an' brush the crumbs away
blah blah blah
and the Gobblelins will git you if ya don’t watch out” Annie.
To this day that poem creeps us both out. But at least now we laugh about it.

I Spotted a Duck (crop)
acrylic and ink on canvas
These entirely imaginary Pink Boots seem to be the standout feature of this painting. I’ve been asked where someone might purchase a pair so often that I’m thinking of cracking out the shiny Consew, laying my hands on some sturdy Pink Suede and creating these babies! I don’t have to be on one of those whiney fashion designer shows to prove I’m the best at everything I try. Okay so I watch Project Runway. Shoot me. I might be in love with Tim Gunn. He dresses so snazzy. This crop is so “My Three Sons” that I have that theme song in my head right now… Da na na naaaaaaaa. You do too huh?
