Intrigued?

We all look for creative ways to enhance our personal environment. Abstract art is a perfect way to make your space uniquely your own.

Looking for warm and inviting?
Sensuous and Romantic?
Haunting and Mystical?

Good Art Does Not Match Your Sofa

I have always felt that you should buy art for your home that speaks to you - it doesn't matter whether or not it matches your decor.  My goal as an artist is to provide a mysterious and intriguing surface, engaging the viewer (that means you).  If you have one of my abstract art paintings hanging in your home, I want a smile to tickle your lips every time you look at it.

Whether you buy framed art from an art gallery dealer or purchase directly from the artist; whether it is a landscape or a floral painting; whether it is realistic or abstract art – the art should be inspiring to you.

Your home is a reflection of you. The abstract art you choose for your walls should speak to your soul. Of course, you could always buy a white couch and your what-art-to-buy problem would be solved!

What is important is that YOU like it!

While searching for just the right piece, you will come across terms like Modern, Contemporary, Impressionistic, Collage, Assemblage, Abstract Impressionism and the like. According to eBay, Modern paintings are those done from 1900-1949; Contemporary refers to those completed from 1950 to now. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the art terminology. Just remember:

Art that you love will become a keepsake.

Art that engages you will bring a smile to your face.

Art that attracts you means you and the artist speak the same visual language.

So What is Abstract Art All About?

Abstract painting is also referred to as Non-Representational (or not containing a recognizable subject - like a tree, a house, flowers, etc).

Each artist finds their own way down the abstract art path. Many abstract artists start out painting realistically. Numerous possibilities exist: 

Abstracting nature, flowers, or figures by reducing them to the simplest of forms
Expressing words or emotions by designing with color and shape
Experimenting with different media

Check out some of Piet Mondrian’s tree pieces. He took that simple subject, kept reducing it to its most basic shape and ended up with his highly popular geometric paintings. Here is an example of how I abstracted fall trees in this painting called Fall Mist.

How Does an Artist get There from Here?

It is an intuitive process – there is no one true way.  For me, the process involves letting my imagination loose, setting my creative muse free. I find words very inspiring – there is a whole list of words in my sketch book, waiting to be painted. My goal is to make visible that which is not. The picture below is a detail photo from my abstract painting titled 'Passion'.  It's my interpretation of the word passion.

What Does Working Intuitively Mean?

Intuition is defined as 1.the act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; a perceptive insight. 2. A sense of something not evident or deducible; an impression

As an artist, I’ve painted in many mediums and styles. After painting realistically for many years, I found it was no longer challenging for me.

When I discovered painting in the abstract, it was like coming home. Suddenly I was excited to paint again!

Working intuitively, with only color and shape – well, let’s just say it is very challenging. Don’t you find yourself stimulated when stepping into unknown territory? As an artist, that’s a very good place to be. Collage is a challenging medium with endless possibilities and creativity.  Can you see the hand holding a globe in this painting?

My work is comprised of paintings on canvas and paintings on paper, most of which are available for purchase. Subject matter can be totally abstract (non-representational) or an abstraction of figures, landscapes, or flowers. I also enjoy 

Collage

Altered Books

Assemblage

Sometimes it feels like I have a dual art-personality.  I bounce back and forth between my paintings and collage/altered work.  Each medium has it's challenges and rewards.  Each fulfills and excites me.  My hope is that it does the same for you!

Please visit each of my online art galleries. 
You will discover art work that is vibrant, compelling, powerful, and unique.

(To view my art at any time, click on the navigation buttons on the left.)

about Artist Bio about Donna Jean Engstrom. Includes information about her process.

Abstract Paintings on Canvas Original abstract art paintings on canvas and paper by internationally collected artist, Donna J Engstrom. Come visit!

Altered Books What are Altered Books? Old books given a new life. Recycled - Painted - Collaged - Torn - Artsy.

Assemblage Assemblage is the 3-dimensional relative of collage. Also referred to as Mixed Media Shrines and Found Object Art, assemblage allows for the inspirational collecting and matching of disparate objects

Collage Collage allows for intense personal expression. Using elements I've collected, collage presents an opportunity to share my feelings and express my views in a new way.

Donna's Newest Work View a slide show of Donna's newest work.

Donna's Blog Visit Donna's Art Blog

Journal of Abstract Artist Husband Join me for an inside view of what it's like being married to an artist.

Site Blog The web site Blog keeps you up-to-date with additions and changes to donna-engstrom-abstract-art.com Web site. Make sure to check out 'Ramblings of an Artists' Husband.' Subscribe here.

art classes Art Classes - Join Donna for classes to energize your creative spirit.

Somerset Studio Donna's work has been published in various issues of Somerset Studio

Exhibitions Exhibitions & Art Fair schedule for Donna J Engstrom including Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center in Birmingham, Flint Institute of Arts, & One of a Kind Show in Chicago

Etsy Auctions Etsy Auctions of original altered art, collage, assemblage, prints by Donna Engstrom

Contact Me Contact me - Send me a note. Receive updates. Your info is NEVER given out to anyone.

links Some links I've found most helpful.

Quotes Quotes - inspirational quotes collected by the artist.

Google Search donna-engstrom-abstract-art.com shares Donna's paintings, collage, and assemblage. Search those here.

Support Cancer Research Support Breast Cancer Research. Links to learn how to help further cancer research.

Blank Greeting Cards Order black or white blank greeting cards with original art images from gallery-represented artist, Donna J Engstrom.

Art in the News Google News links for Art Related Interests