Elizabeth has a BFA degree from Western Carolina University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and also has studied fine art at Southern Seminary, Buena Vista, Va., and Young Harris College, Young Harris, Ga. Her concentrations were: oil, watercolor, sculpture and graphic design. She studied graphic design at Westmoreland Community College, Youngwood, Pa., and interior design at Consumes Community College, Sacramento, Ca.
While living in Louisiana, Elizabeth worked with an interior designer; and, before opening a small gallery & custom framing shop in Creedmoor, NC, she worked in graphic design and also taught continuing ed. classes in graphic design, and fine art. For the past fourteen years, Donohue has done commissioned work and paints and exhibits in her gallery. She publishes and sells her own giclée and litho prints.
Biography: A native of Greensburg, PA., Donohue demonstrated many artistic talents as a youngster. She would dig clay from the creek bed and sculpt surprisingly realistic portraits of family and friends. She painted on the backs of cereal boxes with her mother's discarded oil paints.
Influenced by life's many multi-faceted experiences, Elizabeth's art career has taken numerous detours. Now, after opening The Gallery, most paintings are commissioned and, therefore, are of various themes, but they are always inspired by the affect of natural light, color, and atmospheric changes in nature. Elizabeth desires that the presentation of her subjects reflect these qualities in a painterly fashion. She invites the viewer to appreciate the timeless beauty of floral, to sense the pleasantries of a garden, to see the elegant aging character of well-worn architecture.
Although Elizabeth does not claim to be a "portrait artist", per se, she paints soft, realistic portraits usually in a sun-lit outdoor setting, and has a waiting list of clients.
Artist Statement: Inspired by the timeless beauty of floral, light, color, and atmosphere in nature, Elizabeth's style of painting leans toward impressionism. In her presentation of gardern scenes, floral, and well-worn architecture, she desires to draw the viewer into a world of harmony and tranquility. Although she does not claim to be a portrait artist, per se, she accepts several portrait commissions each year.
