Donald Lonsbrough

With minimal instruction in painting I am basically self-taught. I applied visual skills to theatre arts as a set, costume and wig designer. Performing arts included: acting, singing, and dancing in regional theatre. In 1993 a trip to Paris was inspirational and awakened the desire to paint. In 2003, I began attending workshops with the nation-wide organization, the Plein Air Painters of America.

The love of paint was inspired by talented contemporary artist/teachers such as George Strickland, Ken Backhaus, Ken Auster, Jean Perry, Phil Levine, Kim English and others. This was the beginning of works in oils and watercolors—using methods learned and continuing to develop individualistic artistic style.
For 30 years I enjoyed painting in the Northwest region around Portland, Oregon and have recently relocated to California. Work is currently represented by The Lawrence Gallery of Lake Oswego, Oregon. I have been a member of Alla Prima of Portland, OR, The American Impressionists Society, and the Oregon Society of Artists winning ribbons and regional honors. I am currently a member of Rocklin Fine Arts and The Lincoln Arts League.

In my paintings I seek to evoke a mood, moment, or memory with expressive brushwork. An enthusiast of the impressionist and post-impressionist schools, I utilize some of their methods while re-inventing them for myself. I seek to capture the way the light hits the scene rather than to render things. I have a sense of adding light into the picture and when it starts emanating from the canvas itself, I know that I am near completion. I often am drawn to the timelessness or nostalgia of a scene, or perhaps it’s universal appeal. In a world often filled with violence and unrest, I want to reflect beauty, peace, and the joy of the Creator.