UpsideDown Artwork

Donna Osterby-Brien

Opening Conversation

Acrylic Canvas

30 x 40 x1.5

$395

Donna Osterby-Brien

Resigned To It

Much of my art before Covid was small, incorporating transfer techniques, collage and paint. During Covid so much was available on-line that a whole world opened up to me. The most exciting was life drawing on Zoom. Live models from all over the world appeared on my desk-top computer at the touch of a keyboard. While my work had included many figures, I had little confidence in my ability to draw them myself so the collaged elements were important to me. But I felt dishonest, as though I were cheating somehow. However, being able to draw from life week after week I discovered an ability to capture the human figure in a way that pleased me. My confidence grew.

This image evolved from those life drawing sessions and other online classes. Losing the ability to do things in worlds now closed to many of us, I discovered new worlds. For me the years were rich, full of new experiences including weekly Zoom meetings with creatives of various disciplines. We supported and encouraged each other to step out beyond our fears and try new things. Many became my friends despite living in places like Texas and the Caribbean. The group continues to enrich my life on many levels encouraging exploration beyond my comfort level. I'm growing in unforeseen ways.

New work will include figures from the many sketches that now fill my studio begging to become incorporated into finished works. I hear their call and I will answer.

Click on thumbnail to see more about a work