My Name is Donna Underwood.The Annapolis Valley (Nova Scotia, Canada) is my homeland.
Many of my childhood hours were spent alone, twirling about on my swing and skating on a small patch of ice in the swamp.
My best friends were wildflowers, mud puddles, sticks and stones. Early schooling took place in Victoria Vale (a one
room school house) and I graduated from MRHS in 1961. I received a scholarship to attend the Junior School for
the Arts in 1959. My Mother taught me how to rug hook with cut wool strips. From my parents I learned to love and appreciate
nature.
Studies include (my 1st Art Lessons, Oils) in Junior High School from life long inspiration,
the late Jean Chipman), watercolors, graphic design, calligraphy, silversmithing, (which I loved with Frank Phillips, weaving
(which I hated, it took me 18 hours to weave a dishcloth), at the age of 40, I took up ballet and learned to ride a bicycle,
(a year of balance). Other interests are landscape gardening, mask making, writing, belly dancing, making things
with trash and standup comedy,(I made a 5 minute comedy demo tape, but nobody called) lol.
I painted my first oil painting at the age of 11 without the help of instructions.
I drew my 1st nudes at the age of 9 and I got a strapping for doing such a bad drawing.
The Teacher thought the drawing was immoral; I thought I couldn't draw.
AWARDS
Annapolis Valley Exhibition takes place
in Lawrencetown, Anna Co NS
Apple Blossom Festival of Art was held in Kentville or
the Greenwood Mall, Kings Co NS
CAS of NS, Hfx. Juried Show, 1995 - Hon. Mention, Acrylic,
"The Unity Candle" 16 by 20
Apple Blossom Festival of Art 2002
Judge Livingstone, Acadia University
1st, Oil Pastel, "Path of the Feather", 9 by 12
1st, Mixed Media, "Friends Near and Far", 11 by 16
Apple Blossom Festival of Art 2003
3rd Acrylic, "Golden Angel", 8 by 10
Apple Blossom Festival of Art 2004
David Ritchie, Art Instructor, Middleton Regional High School, Middleton,NS
1st and Judges Choice
Acrylic, 'Work and Play", 24 by 36
and then the Judge bought the painting;
it doesn't get any better than this!
2005 No Entries
Apple Blossom Festival of Art 2006
1st, Acrylic, Abstract, "The Dancers" 16 by 20
Apple Blossom Festival of Art, 2007
3rd, Acrylic, Animal, Wave Dancer, 8 by 10 Amanda Spears Larencetown, NS
Apple Blossom Festival of Art, 2008
2nd, Collage, New Life Sold Book Room Greenwood Mall
3rd, Acrylic, Animal, Born to Roam, 16 by 20 A Big Green Cat Face
Apple Blossom Festival of Art, 2009
Hon. Mention, Spring Fever, 16 by 20
Apple Blossom Festival of Art 2010, Judge, Fabienne Leydecker
Hon Mention,Mixed Media, Blossoms Everywhere
2nd, Acrylic,Abstract, Back to Nature, Fox, donated
3rd, Mixed Media, Talisman, 4 by 6 donated
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2001
1st, Acrylic, Landscape, "Mt. Carleton" NB 10 by 14
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2002, Judge, Monica Forrestall
1st & Judges Choice, Oil Pastel, self portrait "Redhead"
9 by 12
1st, Acrylic, Seascape, "The Bay of Fundy" 24 by 36
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2003, Judge, Tom Forrestall
1st, Acrylic, People, "Off to Market", 16 by 20 " Judge liked her face"
2nd, Watercolor, Still Life, "The Last Cherry", 10 by 12
Annapolis Valley Exhbition 2004
1st and Best Animal Oil Painting- oil pastel
"The Dragon Fly" , 5 by 7
1st, Acrylic, Self Portrait, "Me", 8 by 10
1st, Acrylic, Still life, "Fresh Fruit", 8 by 10
1st, Acrylic, Seascape, "Fundy Tanker at Dusk", 8 by 10
3rd, Oil Pastel, Landscape, "My Swing", 9 by 12
2nd, Watercolor, Still life, "Painter's Bench", 9 by 12
2nd, Acrylic, Flowers, "Lupins", 8 by 10 Sold
3rd, Acrylic, People, "Mary's Islanders", 8 by 10 donated
3rd, Painting Any Medium, Mixed Media, "Fundy Pirates", 18 by 24 Tina and Reid
Harvey, Scotts Bay NS
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2005 no entries
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2006
1st, Acrylic, Mini, "Sunset"
1st, Abstract, Mixed Media, "A or My Perfect Day", 17 by 23, blue sky,
crayons
1st, Oil Pastel, "Magic Carpet", 9 by 12 pink, woman holds a blue/turq ball
1st, Acrylic, Self Portrait, "I am Woman", 8 by 10
1st, Acrylic, Flowers, "Sunflowers in Full Bloom", 16 by 20
1st, Acrylic, Abstract, "The Dancers", 16 by 20
1st, Acrylic, Seascape, "Margaretsville Fantasy", 16 by 20
2nd, Oil Pastel, Self-Portrait.."Me with Hair Bow", 10 by 14
2nd, Acrylic, Still Life, "A Bed of Roses"
3rd, Acrylic, Arch., "Old House, Torbrook", 16 by 20 donated
Special Ribbon, Acrylic Landscape, "Along the Trail", 16 by 20 donated Soldiers
Memorial Hospital, Middleton NS (long narrow waterfall, fall shrub and tree colors)
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2007
1st, Oil, Self portrait , 9 by 12
1st, Acrylic, Self Portrait, 8 by 10, Missed Again
1st, Mini Oil mini, Road Race
1st, Collage "Cabin Fever" #1, 16 by 20
2nd Oil Seascape, 12 by 24, added pottery and pebble people, sold
The remaining placements were not recorded.
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2008 Judge, Tom Forrestall
1st, Oil, Still Life, Bowl, 9 by 12
3rd, Oil, Self Portrait, 9 by 12
2nd, and Best Oil, Animal, Puppy, 9 by 12
3rd, WC Still Life, Dolls, 4 by 6
3rd, Acrylic, Abstract, Sunset, 9 by 12
1st, Acrylic, Seascape, 8 by 10
3rd, Acrylic, Roses, 8 by 10 with an empty vase
3rd, Ptng Any Med, Abstract, Acrylic, Flowers, 16 by 20
3rd, Ptng Any Med, People, 8 by 10
3rd, Ptng Any Med, Acrylic, Mt. Hanley Old House, 16 by 20
1st, Ptng Any Med. Colllage, Cabin Fever #2, 16 by 20
1st, Drawing, Ink, Cat ink, 10 by 12 (Blackie)
2nd, Oil, Mini, Horse
1st, W/C, Mini, Scene, heart frame, house, lots
of pink color
3rd, Acrylic, Mini, Bubbles
Annapolis Valley Exhibtion 2009 Judge Tom Forrestall
1st and Best Oil Painting, Self Portrait, 9 by 12
1st, Collage, Spring Fever 2, 16 by
20
1st, Mini, Acrylic, Winter Scene
2nd, Acrylic, Architecture, Sheds, Wilmot, 10 by 12
2nd, Mini, WC Margaretsville Lighthouse,
Special, WC Animal, 12 by 16 Brown Bear
Special, Abstract, Acrylic, Beyond, 8 by
10
Special, Abstract, Egg Delivery, 8 by 10
Special, Mini Oil, Storm, 4 by 6 of Margaretsville
Lighthouse on paper
Special, Oil, Abstract, Pink and Green, 9 by 12
Annapolis Valley Exhibtion 2010 Judge, Wayne Boucher
3rd, Oil, Marine boats
1st. Oil, Self Portrait, 8 by 10
1st, Oil, Abstract, Count It All Joy, 9 by 12
1st, Abstract, WC Red Boat Boat Angela
Underwood
Hon Mention, Acrylic, Seascape, The Wave, 5 by 7
Hon Mention, Acrylic, Animal, Great Heron, 16 by 20
Special, Still Life, Acrylic, Sir Elton's Stage, 8 by 10
3rd, Acrylic, Self Portrait, 8 by 10
1st, Acrylic, Abstract, Autumn, 8 by 10
Hon Mention, Flowers, Any Med., Rose, 6 by 6
1st, People, Any Med., Acrylic, The Muse Boys, 8 by
10
1st, Any Med., Acrylic, Landscape, Spring, 8 by 10
1st, Any med, Mixed Media,Talisman, 5 by 7
Hon Mention, Any Med, Scene, 16 by 20
1st, Collage, In the Garden, 16 by 20
Specia,l Drawing Pastel, Woman With Jug, 9 by 12 oil pastel
1st, Oil Mini, Sunset oil
1st, WC Mini, Sunrise
Special, Acrylic, Mini, Apple Tree
Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2011, Judge, Eileen Boyd
3rd, Oil Self Portrait
Hon Mention, Oil, Abstract, Bubble Gum
1st, W/C Abstract, untitled
3rd, W/C People, Mountie, Canada Day night scene
2nd, Acrylic, Seascape, Tropical Kiss - big waves
1st, Acrylic, People, Horse and Rider, Barrel Racing
3rd, Acrylic, Abstracrt, Fountain of Youth Sold Dale
Selig Kings Co. NS
Hon Mention, Any Medium, landscape/arch. Guns and Roses
Sold Dale Selig Kings Co NS
2nd, Collage, Passion Flower
3rd, Drawing, pastel/charcol, Frosty
2nd, Oil, Mini, Bride with Dog
2nd, W/C Mini Marg. Lighthouse
3rd, Acrylic, Mini, A Little Love -pinks abstract 4 by 6
2012 awards, listed below
EXHIBITS
Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, 1997, 22 paintings
Blue Monday, Middleton, Feb 2002, "Reflections of Love"
over 50 oil pastel works
Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, Dec 03/02 to Feb 4/03 and May
13/03 to Jan 6/04 Showcase Displays, Paintings & Crafts, better known as Donna's Stuff. lol Described
as a delightful display to make one smile and forget their troubles.
Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, 2005, 17 paintings
VANS, Anna. Royal West, Folio Show, Artists's Books, "Trip North" and Gods
of Light".
VANS, Hfx, Westin Hotel, Art in a Box, "Blue Moon" and "Beyond", March
2 to June 30/07.
ArtsPlace Mym Gallery, December, A room stuffed with acrylics, oil pastels,
collage, rug hooking, crafts, etc, etc, etc, and etc... described as a delightful fun filled room by Donna
to bring a smile to your face.
Gallery 221, Anthony Street, Annapolis Royal, NS
The Month of August 2010, 16 paintings on wall, 20 oil pastels
in rack, 20 arcylics 8 by 10 in treasure book, 4 by 6 on shelf, 4
Macdonald Museum, Middleton
Valley FOLK , Folk art June 26 2011,
exhibits
Canada Day Primitve Fok Art hooked mat
Old Man, Folk Art painting
Collaged Bird House, Memory Mansion
5th avenue Piggy Bank
Pasta Jax and Ribs Restaurant, Middleton, year round
The Artists' Circle, Margaretsville by the Wharf, every summer
Nans Rock Shop, Wilmot, 13 paintings on display winter
2010/11
OTHER AWARDS
MRHS, Middleton, 1959 Scholarship to Attend Junior School of the Arts
NS Dept. of Education, 1989 & 1990, best designed fitness t-shirt
Bridgetown, Esso Quilt Challenge, 1992, one of the two 1st prize winners,
wall hanging, "Needin" Gas"
Annapolis Regional Arts Council, 2001, Folk Art Junk Piggy Bank, Peoples Choice
Award
Just for the fun of it, I wrote an un-edited novel "Betsy's Mind" of 50,000
during International Write a Novel month of November 2003, certificate received.
Anna. Valley Ex. - Crazy Patch Christmas stocking, 3rd
Anna. Valley Ex. 2006 - Decorative Art, 3rd, 5 by 7,
folk art house winter scene
Anna. Valley Ex. 2006 - 2nd stuffed homemade doll 'Uncle Fred"
Anna. Valley Ex. 2006 - 3rd Primitive hooked mat "Parade"
Anna. Valley Ex. 2006 - 2nd recycled craft, "Framed Trash Art"
Wilmot Garden Club 2004 - Members Choice Award, Best Christmas Centre Piece
Wilmot Garden Club 2005 - Members Choice Award, Best Christmas Wreath
I work in all mediums and create one of a kind folk art pieces with
wood, fabric, junk or from whatever happens to be in my path. A few years ago I lost my creative spirit and then I picked
up a box of oil pastels. An end is a new beginning. Working with oil pastels became a daily committed disciplined
habit. Every week I reduced a box of oil pastels to bits. I continued to work fast and furious in this manner for 5 years
plus, what I got was 30,000 images and experience.This spring 2011, I sorted through all 30,000 and destroyed thousands
but kept thousands.
Oil Pastels allow me to work spontaneous, aggressive and furious, sometimes
I add pencil, ink, paint, or whatever is within my reach. The pastel I have in one hand when I finish a work is the same one
I use for beginning the next, regardless of the paper color. These semi-abstracts are simplistic, mysterious, puzzling, beautiful,
erotic, frightening, and sometimes they are just a riot of color and marks. It all comes out. I call the images my life
in pictures. The works puzzle me and amaze me; I give full credit to the Divine Creator. I also have a great
Muse. I call them, my muse boys. Many of the works have won awards.
I paint mainly in acrylics, from memory, of something seen
and felt, of places and things of the past and the present and of things to come. I prefer to paint abstracts but I also enjoy
painting expressive bold and whimsical paintings which are full of energy, movement, texture and color.
PRESENT MEMBERSHIPS
The Artists' Circle
VANS, Visual Arts of Nova Scotia
Annapolis Regional Arts Council
Macdonald Museum
When visiting, ask to read my first book, uncensored, it will take you all of 5
minutes. It has over 60 mini works and some unusual text.
I have at least 90 paintings on the wall and 3 dressers, (not drawers) full of pastel
works, I would be happy to show you my art at any time.
Sometimes I present an Art Show and Tell,to various groups. They say I am inspirational.
My work surfaces as a spontaneous subconscious process; I get out materials and just do it. I have learned many things about
art but I consider myself self-taught; "You learn by doing, there is no other way" quote by John Holt.
Why do I paint? Create? It sets me free. It is my journey. It is a healing force.
It is my passion and my bliss.
My life's work was Accounting, Claims Verification and Cost Analysis.
Now I am retired and at play again.
I sold my 1st drawing using markers, in the early 60's for 10 cents. I have never been
to Tancook Island, NS, nevertheless this drawing was drawn on a piece of paper about 3 by 4 inches in size,
of a church on Tancook Island, it was purchased by Don Woods, he said I would be famous someday, but he didn't say for
what. lol
My work had been collected internationally. My work can be seen at my home, the
Artists' Circle Summer time Art Shack by the Margaretsville wharf.
Other places to see my work are, Pasta Jax,, now known as the Restaurant, next to SaveEasy in Middleton, The Valley
Regional Hospital - The Apple Bin Gallery, VANS, Annapolis West Members shows, The Seniors Art & Photo Gallery Halifax
Trade Centre, Annapolis Regional Art Council, Members shows, The Macdonald Museum, Middleton, special shows by the Artists'
Circle,
The Greenwood Mall - The Apple Blossom Festival of Art and the Christmas Art Show by the Artists' Circle.
I particiapte in Middleton's Art from the Heart in October ( no longer held) and
Paint the Town at Annapolis Royal in August.
The past few years I have been working in Acrylics, size 8 by 10, mostly because
of storage space . These paintings easily fit into plastic sleeves and are placed in binders which I lend out to anyone
that is interested. The works are for sale.
If you read all of this, thanks! Donna
