Award-winning fine artist Ashley Donovan recently received the First Associate with Distinction Award for her painting Always Never, Again at Of Mark & Meaning: American Women Artists’ Annual Juried Museum Exhibition.
As the recipient of the Dynasty Brush Award donated by our parent company, FM Brush Company, she shares the inspiration behind her work, her artistic journey, favorite brushes, and advice for emerging artists!
Congratulations on being awarded the First Associate with Distinction Award for your piece Always Never, Again at Of Mark & Meaning: American Women Artists’ Annual Juried Museum Exhibition! Please share what it means to you to receive this distinction.
Thank you! It's an honor to be recognized by an organization whose membership is so diverse and full of incredible talent. The women represented in the exhibition display such dedication and skill in observation, and many of the other works in the show truly floored me. So it was a surprise to be selected for this award amongst so many wonderful artists!
As someone in the early stages of my career, this distinction means that I'm connecting with an audience in a meaningful way, which I think is what any artist really hopes to achieve.
What was your inspiration for Always Never, Again?
It started with an idea of connecting with the past – what are the things that tie us together? How do I view myself amongst other women, past and present? The inspiration was really women, and the self-reflection required to find your place.
How do you think your artistic style has evolved over the years leading up to this achievement?
I've been able to introduce more nuanced and complex imagery, as well as more pointed color palettes in my paintings. My student days (early 2000's!) were mostly a focus on drawing and illustration. In the last 4 years of making a deliberate shift into oil painting, I think I've been able to slowly embrace more dimension and purposeful decisions.
You were awarded the Dynasty Brush Award donated by FM Brush Co., which features an exciting array of our finest artists’ brushes. Are there specific brush shapes or sizes you reach for most often, and why?
I always reach for my rounds first! I love the variation of stroke and being able to achieve wide marks as well as clean edges with the same brush. Flats come in a close second, usually at the beginning stages of a painting.
You have an illustrious career as an artist! Briefly tell us how long you have been painting and how you got started.
Wow, thank you for that! I graduated from the UConn School of Fine Arts in 2005 with a BFA in Illustration, and had focused mainly on drawing, watercolors, and gouache. I had always been good at drawing, but I never spent much time painting.
In 2007, my husband and I started a graphic design and website design company and are still running it today with 2 employees. So, as you can imagine, starting a company takes a lot of time! I didn't spend a lot of time creating my own artwork outside of that.
Then in 2022, I decided enough was enough! I really wanted to get back to it. So I began taking classes at the Branford Art Studio in Branford, CT, with master painter and sculptor Marc Anthony Massaro. I've spent the last 4 years honing my skills, learning technique, and trying to find my voice.
Along with working with oils, are there other mediums you prefer to work with?
Graphite is my second choice. I can spend dozens of hours on a pencil drawing, and I have!
What advice would you give to emerging artists about developing their own technique and voice?
My advice would be not to force something that doesn't feel true to you. It's great to experiment and try things out, but the most successful work you will create is going to feel real and resonate with you. Follow your internal compass!
To learn more about Ashley and her work, visit ashleydonovan.com or follow her on Instagram!
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