When Donna Arnold was growing up on a farm in the northwest plains of Iowa, she was as far removed from the world of art as it was possible to be. No museums or galleries, but a wide-open wonderful world to explore nonetheless. Encouraged by a grandmother, she began drawing and playing with pastels at an early age. That interest led to college, a BFA, Masters degree and a 20 year career as a high school art teacher, helping others develop their artistic talents.
Upon retirement Arnold established her own art school and founded the Goshen Painter’s Guild, Goshen, IN, which continues to thrive. Now, she has begun focusing on her own creative expression. “What delights me about the process of art making is that you never have all the answers. Each fresh sheet of paper is a new mystery to solve in the attempt to reach a new level of expression and meaning. It is very rewarding when others respond to my efforts. It is gratifying to have work in collections in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, South Dakota and England.
I think being an artist is a gift that involves not just giving to others through your work, but it is a life-long, never ending challenge to learn, push yourself and grow. The challenge of painting requires me to move beyond what is comfortable, what is known. That’s the key to real creativity.”
Recently moved to Carmel, IN, Arnold has become a member of Indiana Artists, is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana, Hoosier Salon, Hamilton County Art Association, and a member of the Santa Rita Art League, Green Valley, AZ.
She has been accepted into many juried shows and received numerous awards.
Upon retirement Arnold established her own art school and founded the Goshen Painter’s Guild, Goshen, IN, which continues to thrive. Now, she has begun focusing on her own creative expression. “What delights me about the process of art making is that you never have all the answers. Each fresh sheet of paper is a new mystery to solve in the attempt to reach a new level of expression and meaning. It is very rewarding when others respond to my efforts. It is gratifying to have work in collections in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, South Dakota and England.
I think being an artist is a gift that involves not just giving to others through your work, but it is a life-long, never ending challenge to learn, push yourself and grow. The challenge of painting requires me to move beyond what is comfortable, what is known. That’s the key to real creativity.”
Recently moved to Carmel, IN, Arnold has become a member of Indiana Artists, is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana, Hoosier Salon, Hamilton County Art Association, and a member of the Santa Rita Art League, Green Valley, AZ.
She has been accepted into many juried shows and received numerous awards.