acrylic on panel

artwork measures 8" x 8"

Donna Calleja creates still life paintings inspired by her observations of light on natural objects. She retired in 2019 from a rewarding career as a high school visual arts teacher to dedicate more time to painting and she still continues to teach a few drawing and painting classes for adults. Her paintings have been exhibited recently in group exhibitions at Belmont Gallery of Art, ConcordArt, Gallery Twist, The South Shore Art Center and in a solo show at Room83Spring, Watertown. Her work is included in many private and public collections including the Worcester Art Museum, Boston Public Library, Fidelity Investments and Cambridge Savings Bank. The paintings included in the Enormous Tiny Art Show #31 were created from 2020 to early 2022 in her home studio in Watertown, Massachusetts.

This piece is part of Donna's Enormous Tiny Ary Show #31 collection. "I create still life paintings that are inspired by my observation of light on plants, shells, flowers and fruit. I arrange these natural forms together for their shape, color and texture from direct observation and my imagination. My painting process begins with an underpainting that defines a composition of light and shadow. With close observation I add layers of color to build texture and detail. I want to interpret the beauty, personal meaning and memories I find in objects from nature and I hope to provide my viewers with a moment of quiet reflection."