The Buzz Story
Chico Enterprise Record
May 29, 2003
When strong color and rhythm, Donna Thomas' “Sunlit Trees”is literally the center of May's Chico Open Board Art Project at Second and Main Streets.
Given only two weeks to finish the painting, Thomas decided not to experiment with her subject matter, but elaborate upon a theme.
“I've done a lot of paintings of trees and color is my big thing...I'm also attracted to the play of the sun and shadow and the pattern they create.”
Working with acrylics on a 4-foot-by-4-foot sheet of plywood was somewhat of a challenge for Thomas, who considers herself a watercolorist.
“It took a a lot of work, ...I had a when I hated the painting, and then the next day I'd say, Well that's not to bad. And, you know, I went back and forth and painted over it. I always paint in layers anyway, so there's several layers of paint on it.”
During Thomas' 30-year career, her style, subject and medium have evolved.
“My art has definitely changed over the years. When I first started, I'm sure I was very representational. I tried to paint what was out there, ...But now I try to abstract it more. I'm still more realistic, but I'm not married to what's there.”
Before moving to Paradise five years ago Thomas lived in the Bay Area. The paintings created there focused on the human form and various kinds of still life. She also worked in ceramics for 10 years, concentrating on the figure and teapots.
“I go through stages,” said Thomas. “I think where you live influences a lot of what you do.”
“Sunlit Trees” is a testament to Thomas' surroundings and current focus on nature and color.
“I look out my studio window and I see pine trees. We can look across the and see the mountains in the distance.”
Thomas and her husband Ben, who documents and promotes her work over the Internet, enjoys traveling in their motor home.
“Every time we take a trip we go to all the art galleries,” said Thomas. Though influenced by what she sees in galleries, much of what Thomas, current work stems from nature seen during their travels.
“I used to go out and paint on location a lot, but I haven't done that in a long time. I take photographed and sometimes I won't do them for years. ...And, all of a sudden, an urge comes over me to do that painting. I'm doing some on Alaska: we were there about two years ago. ...I'm trying to do the mountains and the tundra ...but I add a lot of colors because I can't help myself.” Thomas is also working on a series of rock and a series of coconut trees.
If it sounds like Thomas has a lot going on in the studio, it's true.
“I have anywhere from six to ten paintings that I'm working on at a time.” Viewers will get the chance to see Thomas' most recent work in the fall at the Chico Art Center, but until June 4 can take time out to enjoy “Sunlit Trees.”