Born in Virginia – Donna has always enjoyed the outdoors.  As a young child, she spent every spare minute at her grandparent’s house.  Here, she spent time fishing and following her grandfather as he took care of his property.  Some of her fondest memories are of walking through the woods with him.  He would point out signs of wildlife and name the plants for her.  Her other grandfather was a planter and a “weatherman.”  He would point out to her the wind patterns, clouds, and other markers that would lead him to his ‘forecast of the day.’

 

As an adult, Donna has spent most of her time as a mother and wife.  She first moved to Georgia in the 1980’s.  Donna began painting as a hobby.  She joined the Stencil Artisans League in Atlanta.  Also during this time, she volunteered for many activities involving the children.  She always maintained an interest in science and the arts.  The five years she lived in California in the 1990’s were very exciting.  When most children visited Disneyland on a regular basis – Donna took her kids to the beach and to nature centers.  She was den mother for her son’s Cub Scout group.  The scouts participated in many environmental projects including the adoption of a sea lion and regular donations to the Friends of the Sea Lion Center in Laguna Beach, cleaning a creek in their city, and digging invasive thistle plants from local park land.

 

When Donna received her first digital camera as a gift from her husband, she knew this was her medium.  She always enjoyed painting – but she wanted more “instant” gratification.  Photography was it.  By using the digital camera and her computer, she could have her photographs in just minutes.  After moving back to Georgia, she planned her yard and gardens to attract wildlife.  The National Wildlife Federation certifies her backyard a natural habitat.   A few years ago, she put in a goldfish pond.  This brought in the dragonflies and frogs.

 

Almost forty years since she tracked the woods of Virginia with her grandfather, Donna is again spending time in the woods at her Georgia home.  Many days you will find her in the yard with camera in hand.  She uses no special lighting or reflectors for her photography.  The plants and animals are in their natural settings and no harm comes to them.   Her favorite subjects include dragonflies, hummingbirds, daylilies, spiders, honeysuckle, wild roses, water lilies, and frogs.  In her spare time, Donna still paints and enjoys making jewelry.  She lives in Fayetteville with her husband, two children, dog, cat, and the pond fish.

 

Donna’s photographs are printed on Ilford photo paper using an Epson photo printer with archival ink.   Photos are subject to retirement without notice.