Donna Hughes-Saurina
Animal Images in Acrylic and Watercolor
Langhorne Pennsylvania

They tell us to paint what we know, so many of my paintings are inhabited by the animals around me. Cats, birds, beloved pets of my clients and wildlife observed on my travels all make their way onto my panels and paper. But painting is too much fun to stop there. Representational doesn't have to mean real. I will often begin with a detailed, realistic drawing of my subject: animal, flower, etc. then see where imagination takes me. Animals emerge from or into each other or flowers or background. Sometimes falling into an abstract design. Pattern fascinates me. Everywhere you look, pattern is expressed: in spots and stipes, whorls, petals, branches and currents. Through it all, personality remains. The eyes are expressive. I love and enjoy these creatures and it shows in my paintings.

I first painted with watercolor and still love the light and brilliance of transparent techniques. In recent years, acrylics have changed to allow handling like watercolor. Using Golden's absorbent gesso and "Atelier Interactive Acrylics" from Chroma, I can glaze, layer and wash on prepared panels. Then if needed, I'll switch to opaque, impasto techniques for texture or highlights. Occasionally, I'll collage with rice paper or dried plant materials. Acrylic mediums and protective varnish finish the pieces. They can be framed with or without glass.

Ultimately, my paintings express joy. The lightness I feel when I walk by the lake after a long hard day, watch a bird take off or my cat stretch and lean in for a head rub. They're about the peace of knowing that "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken..."says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:10). He has proved it in my life, my husband and family and those I love time and time again. My art reflects, however indirectly the rest He gives when I come to him (Matthew 11:28), the peace He gives when I trust in him (John 16:33) and the love He grows in me as I grow in Him (John15). So, stressed or relaxed, overloaded or on vacation, sighing or rejoicing, I am blessed by His grace and I paint.