Donna Nelson Barnhill
Santa Fe Artist
ABOUT
Born in Western New York state, I spent my childhood growing up in the dusty plains of Southeast New Mexico where I gained an early appreciation of the unique and magical beauty of the desert light. I have longed to live in northern New Mexico since I was young so that I could be surrounded and immersed in artistic creativity. Life had other plans as my career took me to various locales in Texas for the next twenty-eight years and I have since returned to New Mexico full time. I was honored to be invited to be part of the inaugural Artist In Residence Pilot Program at Ghost Ranch. I work in all mediums and focus on painting both in my studio and plein air. My work focuses on landscapes, structures, and abstract forms. I particularly love to paint old traditional structures when I venture out to paint. I love the sun and the high desert and the special ambiance that only New Mexico can offer.
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I am recently been involved with Plein Air Painting in South Florida for the last few years. Ocean breezes, marshy waters, and lots of family! What's not to love? Check out my Florida paintings here online and various shows and exhibits around South Florida.
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You can see my New Mexico work at:
Underwood Gallery, 225 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM. underwoodgallerynm.com
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ORGANIZATIONS
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​Oil Painters of America (Associate)
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New Mexico Women In the Arts
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American Impressionist Society (Associate)
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Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (Executive Board 2018 to 2020, and 2024)
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Plein Air Palm Beach
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Santa Fe Studio Arts Collective
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Rio Grande Art Association
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Plein Air Artists Colorado
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Ontario Plein Air Society (Canada)
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New Mexico Art League
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Roswell Fine Arts League