Donna Brewins-Cook has been a practicing artist since graduating at Sheffield Hallam University in 1998, She has worked in various studios around Yorkshire. Donna won a school regional art competition in 1987 but despite this did not have enough academic qualifications for college. After a gap of working in retail and studying art at evening classes, she gained a qualification that enabled her to take up art in full time education. Throughout college and university painting has always been the driving force behind Donna’s work.
Donna draws her inspiration from the constant possibilities of painting and the challenge of its unpredictable nature in conveying a subject. She is most interested in the process of painting and the expression it provides, translating a depth of feeling that is both personal but also shared with the viewer. Donna predominantly uses oil paint in her work for its texture and vibrancy, which creates a strong dynamic.
Psychotherapy has directly influenced Donna and renewed her interest in abstract expressionism with the freedom of colour, line and allowing the subconscious and memory to guide her work. Her current work explores the raw emotions she has experienced through personal challenges including the corrosive effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder and infertility. Whilst these experiences are highly personal, she believes that by exploring those emotions in her work she is creating a voice where one might normally be at risk of being suppressed and hidden.
Donna has delivered a number of public and private commissions, including a commission for a client featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs television programme in 2013 where Donna produced a large bespoke painting as a focus piece for a living area. Donna has also sold her work to private collections.
In the summer of 2018 Donna had two paintings selected for the prestigious BEEP International Painting Prize, Swansea.
Donna’s works are created as sustainably as possible, sourcing her canvas, frames and other materials from reputable art suppliers. Her oil paints are mixed with a Green Eco alternative to traditional paint thinners.
Donna currently lives in Sheffield with her husband and enjoys roaming the high ground nearby with her whippet Barney.
