“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci“Simplicity is not a simple thing” -Charlie Chaplin“As often as not, we are homesick for the places we have never known.” – Carson McCullers My paintings celebrate the land and rural life, interpreted in my own way with simplified shapes, abstractions, and unique color. I call my style Modern Americana; contemporary landscape with a bit of nostalgia and serenity mixed in. I work to capture what defines a place, a home, a dwelling…keeping my work bold, colorful.Creating a simplified composition is a balancing act; my goal is to remove what is not needed, leaving only the few elements that create a harmonious painting. My background in printmaking has affected my style, in the way that I layer color, create shapes, and define elements. Using only palette knives adds a unique texture and signature style.I use the terms of music: rhythm, suite, symphony, notes, song, quartet, to convey the pace and connection between art, music and the land. It is an abstract feeling you get when you hear music, see art, or view nature. There is a different pace to life represented in my scenes.I believe artists are able to interpret their surroundings and ideas into something new and unique, touching others in the process. A piece may not speak to everyone, but there will be someone out there who is moved and inspired and that is the magic. Living in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and now North Carolina has made me aware of the rural landscape, and helped me define my subject matter.I have studied drawing, painting and printmaking; and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan.In 1995, I found a job that combined my love of art history with practical science to help preserve our artistic heritage; I became an assistant art conservator, working on many mural projects and now occasionally I still help out at a top conservation studio in Dallas.I lives in Fort Worth, Texas with my husband Scott, and our little dog, Nora until this year. In the Spring of 2022 we packed up and moved to North Carolina. We enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures. Recent trips have included Italy, Spain, Scotland, Australia, Sweden and Japan.My work is in the collection of BNSF Railway, Hyundai Corporation, Win-Sam, the Samaritan House of Fort Worth, and the Fort Worth Club. And beginning in 2022 six panels showcasing my work will be on permanent display at the Fort Worth Central Train Station.Thank you for visiting my website. Please email me with any questions. Testimonials“I love this little painting. It glows like a light on the wall and gives me a peaceful feeling. ”“Proud to add one more Donna Walker to my collection – the colors are both warm and bright and it reminds me of the best things in the midwest!”“Thanks again, Donna, for a second beautiful piece for our home. The custom painting is perfect and, when framed, will be the focal point of our family room above our old fireplace. The painting will be a cherished part of our home, with the three houses representing my three children and our own tranquil harbor! We sincerely appreciate your talent and love that we have a true one of a kind!”“This is a beautiful artwork from a lovely artist. My husband and I both love the work and appreciate Donna’s talent and prompt, professional attention. We are already planning our second purchase!”"Delivered today and it’s great. Keep creating these amazing pieces, they’re unique and wonderfully colorful!"“Love this painting!! The piece has texture and the colors are just bright enough to give it a little happy twist. Wonderful seller, communicative…am buying another one!”“Not only do I love the painting, I love dealing with Donna. This painting was bought for a very special reason and person in my life- she was kind enough to give me a great back story and email me back with great info and appreciation for my love of her work. This whole purchase has been a joy.”“I bought two paintings from Donna and love them both so much! Now I just have to decide where to hang them!”“Gorgeous painting and Donna is a lovely person. She was very helpful with my questions about her paintings and international shipping. The painting was well packed and shipping was fast. I’m saving up to buy the next one!”“Donna’s paintings are so beautiful; it is hard to just pick one. I would have one for every room of my house if I could.”“Oh my stars! LOVE this piece-it is so sweet-Donna’s talent is wonderful! Great communication and fast shipping! Thank you!”“This painting was far more beautiful than the photograph even shows. It is amazing!”“A beautiful composed little painting full of lively texture and brushwork. The colors are amazing. From the work itself to its presentation to its shipping, a class organization. A big thumbs up.”