Collection: Donna McGee
Donna McGee’s early years were spent learning about the natural world in the woodlands surrounding her family’s farm. As an adult she pursued this interest as hiker, adventurer, gardener, and painter. Donna says, “When painting outdoors, I become immersed in the time and place to the extent that I take much more away with me than a painting. In nature, I search for meaning in life and understanding of myself. Sometimes I have found mystery and darkness, sometimes humor and light. The natural world is complex and sometimes unpredictable, but honest.” The foundation of her work is rooted in her love of the natural world and her view that man is an integral part of nature. Her love of exploring just to see what lies ahead; the rhythm of walking and breathing; the sound of wind and water; the feel of the earth beneath my feet; the smell of leaf mold and flowers; and glimpses of insects, birds and animals become a part of her work. Her work is a response to nature on an emotional/spiritual level as well as the perceptual level. She considers painting en plein air another way to experience the outdoors. Nature offers an antidote to the stress and stimulation of our modern environment where we are constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and frustrations. Donna received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Mississippi State University in 1974 and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio – Painting and Drawing from Louisiana Tech University in 1993. Donna has spent much of her life working in oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media painting. For over 27 years she taught drawing, design, and painting at the university level.