About the Artist

DONNA W HEIL

original art

Biography

Donna knew art fed her soul when her elementary teachers recognized and encouraged her artistic ability.While attending an all-girls Catholic HS in Louisville Ky, she was inspired by her favorite teacher Sr. Rosalyn & knew her career path would have to include art. 

Donna earned a Bachelor of Art in Housing and Interior Design from the University of Kentucky.   A professional member of ASID, American Society of Interior Designers, she pursued a 30-year career in residential design, often incorporating her original artwork.

Donna moved with her husband and high school sweetheart Jack, to Charlotte NC where they raised  3 children. While raising children, her career path took her from Interior Design, to teaching Middle School art and private children’s art classes, to Real Estate, Real Estate photographer, and eventually to pursuing her passion of painting full time. 

An avid student of the arts & architecture, her first art sales were of watercolor home renderings. Today homes, interiors & cityscapes remain her favorite subject matters. 

She first took up oil painting in 2007, studying under Kelly Sandford, and continues to take workshops & classes from Dreama Tolle Perry, Miriam Durkin and others. Her artwork has been featured in The Charlotte Observer & The Charlotte Business Journal’s Book of Lists 4 years in a row. 

Her professional studios have been in The Rusty Rabbit Design, The Charlotte Art League and currently at the Charlotte Studio Artists in NoDa, the art district of Charlotte. . Her art has been featured in The Edenside Gallery in Louisville Ky, Ruby’s Gift, in Charlotte NC, and KF Studios, Handmade Market in Davidson NC. She has been the featured artists at The Charlotte Art League, Sanctuary Bistro, and The Artisan's Palette in Charlotte. 

She has been a lifelong Catholic, and an involved member in several parishes in Charlotte. Her continued spiritual path has let her to become a Founding Member and Board Member of the Carolina Center for Spiritual Awakening in Charlotte, a New Thought community that recognizes the Divine in everyone and welcomes all. She is a lifelong student always growing spiritually & artistically. 

Donna Heil Art – Original Oil Paintings – Artist Statement

“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.” Henry David Thoreau 

I am a seeker of beauty, color & truth. I am currently painting with oil and loving the whole complex process, from the underlayer of transparent color to the bold simple brushstrokes that define shapes, letting viewers complete the painting in their own minds,  while feeling a sense of joy from the vibrant color palette. 

Born and raised in Louisville KY, I was inspired at a young age by my father’s love of art and the written word.  Saturday mornings were spent doing mini gallery crawls where he exposed me to all of his favorite artists and taught me how to “see” what they were saying.

His collections of art, books and music filled our home.

My mother and maternal grandmother showed me the art of doing, through gardening, painting, sewing and entertaining. Filling the house with color & beauty often brought inside from the garden.

My current home is Charlotte NC, where I am inspired by all the beauty it has to offer. NY, Chicago, London, Paris & Hong Kong, have also inspired me with their rich art, architecture & culture. However, some of my greatest inspiration comes from photos I take with my iPhone right here in & around Charlotte. Nothing better than putting the top down on our red convertible & heading to any nearby small town, to discover a farm to table restaurant,  a new local winery, or a secret garden.  Spending time on our Greenway paths began my journey back to doing what I love. I paint local!

My spiritual journey has led me to the knowing that sharing my art is a passion I must pursue. I hope my art brings more color, light & joy into your space & your life.

 Thank you for letting me share my love of art with you.   Donna W Heil