I come from a family of artists. My biggest influence was my dad, an architect and an artist. I was also inspired by my Aunt Vivian, a watercolor artist and my grandmother, a weaver. My biggest hero today is my sister, Eleanor McGough, who is an extraordinarily talented professional artist in Minneapolis.
My first award-winning work was a picture of a bunny that I drew for a coloring contest when I was 6 years old. This had a big impact on my life as I decided right then and there to become a professional artist.
I enjoy making all types of art so it is difficult for me to work with just one medium. I love to paint and draw in all sorts of media -watercolor, acrylic, oil sticks, chalk, and just about anything else that makes a bold, bright mark. So whatever I am doing, you can count on it being colorful. Right now I am concentrating on painting in watercolors and acrylics and I have begun making glass jewelry and bowls.
I am fascinated by people and places. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to Spain, France, Australia and Peru. I fill my sketchbooks wherever I go and use these sketches for inspiration when I get home.
Yet, my biggest inspiration is Alaska. Alaska’s beauty is unmatched anywhere else in the world. I am mesmerized by Alaska’s wide-open spaces, beautiful skies and spectacular mountains. We also have some of the most colorful characters and interesting faces in the world. I am never without an idea for my next piece because wherever I look, I find inspiration.
Then there is my fixation with bubbles. I am not entirely sure why I can’t quit painting them, except I have not lost my fascination yet. Bubbles make me smile because they remind me of my childhood… running around our back yard with my brothers and sisters blowing bubbles and jumping around to burst them. They were weightless, opalescent, elusive and sparkled with a multitude of colors. I still love bubble baths, Jacuzzis, and surf. How could you not love bubbles…they symbolize freedom, escape, light-heartedness and youth. And they are round, my favorite shape. I still keep bubbles around, just in case.
Please visit my website at margaret-donat.artistwebsites.com
