A native of Wisconsin, Don began his artistic journey in
theater, earning a degree in theater arts from the University
of Denver. As the director of a high school theater department
and a community theater program, he acted, directed, designed
and painted scenery and designed lighting for many productions.
To support the needs of his growing family, he launched a
new career in the oil and gas industry, in which he thrived
for 30 years. During this period he lived in five western
states, including 21 years in Alaska operating his own oil
and gas exploration and production company. After retiring
from that industry, Don co-founded Omega Management Education
Group, a training and consulting firm that served leaders
and managers of international organizations.
Nearly a decade ago, Don decided to reclaim his artistic roots
and pursue his vision of becoming an artist of note. “It
was while I was living in Alaska that my artistic self re-emerged
after having been cooped up for years,” he says. Since
then, he has studied advanced painting techniques with Marie
Ungemah in Littleton, Colorado and Rob Gratiot at the Art
Students League of Denver. Committed to his own artistic evolution,
Don continually experiments with fresh modes of expression.
His art has been influenced by his background as a theatrical
set designer and by the beauty and variety of the western
landscape and the many artists’ workshops he attends.
Don lists Alaskan landscape artists Sidney Laurence Fred Machetanz
and Marvin Mangus among his inspirations, as well as contemporary
artist Richard Schmid. Don’s love for the fine arts
is evidenced in his large collection of western paintings,
sculptures and native arts.
Don paints under the pseudonym “Dono.” In addition
to being a charter member of the Off Main Street Artists guild
and principal in The Garage Gallery and Studio in historic
downtown Littleton, he is a member of the National Oil and
Acrylic Painters Society, Arts Alliance of Littleton, Heritage
Fine Arts Guild and the Art Students League of Denver. He
lives with his wife, Barbara, also an artist, in Littleton,
Colorado. |
