Hello my artist family!
Today I get the joy of introducing you to one of the wonderful artists in our community, DonElla Nielsen from Coleman, Michigan. Every artist's journey is unique, and DonElla's story is such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the dreams we tuck away for a season are simply waiting for the perfect time to bloom.
DonElla's creative spark first came to life in high school, where she loved painting pottery and anything artistic she could get her hands on. Then, as life often does, it filled up with college, travel, marriage, raising a family, and all the wonderful adventures in between. But through it all, one dream quietly stayed in her heart—she wanted to paint landscapes.
Then one day in her early 40s, she walked into a craft store, spotted a sign for a painting class, and thought, "Why not?" I absolutely love that moment because sometimes all it takes is one little sign... literally! It's amazing how one small decision can change the course of your creative journey.
That class introduced her to acrylic painting, and later she explored watercolor through online classes. While she enjoyed learning different mediums, she admits that perfectionism often stole some of the joy from painting. I know so many of us can relate to that! Thankfully, discovering Dabble Art helped her realize something incredibly freeing: painting is supposed to be fun. Perfection isn't required, and somehow, when we let go a little, beautiful things happen.
What inspires DonElla the most?
Without hesitation, she said, color! Her funny little story made me smile. She knows how to sew, but every time she walks past those colorful fat quarters of fabric at the store, she buys them simply because they're so beautiful—even though they never get used! I completely understand that kind of color obsession. Sometimes beautiful colors just insist on coming home with us.
Beyond color, DonElla finds endless inspiration in God's incredible creation. She loves capturing the beauty she sees in nature and creating paintings that bring joy to others, whether they're gifted or sold. I just love that perspective because art truly is one of the sweetest ways to share your heart.
DonElla chose to share her painting, Spring Morning at Bluebell Lake, because every time she looks at it, she feels like she could step right into the scene. She loves its depth, vibrant colors, the fresh spring air it seems to capture, and the feeling that you can almost smell the flowers.
And can I just say... when a painting makes you imagine taking a deep breath because you swear you can smell spring blossoms, that's something special! I don't know about you, but I'd happily pack a picnic and wander right into that landscape if someone handed me a tiny enough pair of hiking boots.
What she loves about DabblePaints™
"The colors are rich, the consistency is amazing and just makes me want to put a palette knife in and start getting it on a canvas!"
Oh, I love hearing that! That excitement—that feeling of wanting to dive right in and start creating—is exactly what I hoped these paints would inspire.
For DonElla, painting is all about watching the transformation unfold. She loves seeing a painting move through what many of us lovingly call "the ugly stage" until it blossoms into something beautiful. She also shared something that truly touched my heart:
"I believe what you make with your hands you give with your heart."
Isn't that beautiful? I couldn't agree more. Every painting carries a little piece of the artist with it, and that's what makes handmade art such an incredible gift.
When I asked DonElla what advice she'd give someone just beginning their painting journey, her answer was simple, encouraging, and worth remembering:
"Don't let yourself be discouraged. Keep trying different styles or new ideas, practice, practice, paint, paint, paint. Like all things worthwhile, practice makes perfect."
DonElla, thank you for sharing your story, your beautiful artwork, and your heart with all of us. Your journey reminds us that it's never too late to follow a creative dream, and that letting go of perfection often makes room for so much more joy. I know your story will encourage so many artists in our community to keep picking up their palette knives and creating.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
