Artist Spotlight: Donna Giraud
We asked Donna about her creative process, the inspiration behind her work, and the lessons she’s learned as an artist. From the textured layers of her paintings to the personal journey that shapes them, her art is a reflection of resilience, intuition, and growth.
Donna Giraud | Artist Partner
INSIDE THE CREATIVE MIND
What does your creative process look like from start to finish? Can you walk us through the journey of a recent piece?
“My creative process is intentional but also deeply intuitive and layered, much like the textures I incorporate into my work. It always starts with a feeling—something I’ve experienced, a conversation I’ve had, or a moment in nature that lingers in my mind. I begin by applying texture with palette knives, sculpting the foundation before any color even touches the canvas. This stage is about movement and energy, letting the story unfold. Once the texture dries, I work in thin washes of color, gradually building depth and contrast. It’s a slow, meditative process of adding and subtracting, of allowing the painting to tell me where it wants to go.
A Gentle Shift is a perfect example of this process. This piece challenged me in ways I didn’t expect—I struggled with it, revisiting it over and over, knowing it wasn’t quite there yet. I could have easily given up, but something about it needed extra time. The message of the piece itself—that change happens gradually, in small steps—mirrored my own process while creating it. Eventually, after many layers and moments of stepping back, it clicked. It finally felt like it had told its story. At a recent show, it became the unexpected favorite of viewers, which felt like a beautiful affirmation that the extra time and patience were worth it. ”.
What does a typical day look like for you? How do you balance your art with other aspects of your life?
“No two days look exactly the same, but my mornings always start with quiet time—coffee in hand, a moment to reset before diving into emails, social media, and connecting with collectors. This ritual wasn’t always part of my routine, but over the last year, I’ve been on a journey of discovering what no longer serves me, setting boundaries, and only doing things that align with what I’m trying to put into the world. It’s one of the hardest lessons in any profession, but since making this shift, I’ve gained so much clarity in my work. And as the universe so often reminds us, when you stop forcing things and simply show up as yourself, the right people and opportunities naturally find their way to you.
My afternoons are dedicated to studio time, where I get lost in creating, experimenting, and working on commissions. But I’ve also learned that rest isn’t just important—it’s essential for me to create. I used to think productivity was about constant movement and selling, but now I see that space, stillness, and even stepping away are just as vital. Travel plays a huge role in this. When my soul is full from experiences, wonder, and new perspectives, I can return to my work with fresh energy and deeper stories to share. My art is a reflection of the life I live, and I’ve realized that the more I honor what fuels me, the more meaningful my work becomes.”
“My creative process is intentional but also deeply intuitive and layered, much like the textures I incorporate into my work. It begins with a feeling—an experience, a conversation, or a lingering moment in nature. From sculpting texture with palette knives to layering washes of color, it’s a meditative journey of adding, subtracting, and allowing the piece to tell its own story. Art mirrors life in that way—sometimes, the most meaningful creations take patience, trust, and the willingness to embrace the unknown."
What inspires your work? Are there particular themes, experiences, or artists that influence your art?
“My work is deeply inspired by both the physical and emotional landscapes we navigate in life. The vast, ever-changing skies and waters of the Pacific Northwest influence my color palettes and compositions, but even more so, I am drawn to the unseen—our resilience, our quiet moments of reflection, and the way we hold onto hope even in uncertainty.
For years, I have infused my work with optimism and positive narratives, but in recent years, I’ve realized that when I create from a place of deeper personal truth—when I allow space for the cracks, the struggles, and the growth—it makes my work even more powerful. The more I share the real, human stories behind my paintings, the more people connect, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how that vulnerability brings art to life. I’ve had people stand in front of my work and burst into happy tears because something in it resonated so deeply with their own experience. That is always a gift. Those reactions, those shared moments of recognition, fuel my inspiration just as much as the act of painting itself.
While my historical knowledge of past artists isn’t the best, I firmly believe in supporting local and living artists. Some of my favorites include Johnny Taylor, Greg Benz, and Amy Stewart—each of them brings something unique and compelling to the contemporary art world. Seeing artists around me push boundaries and create from a place of authenticity reminds me why art is so powerful: it is a conversation, a bridge, and an invitation to feel something real”.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust my own voice. In the early years, I worried too much about what people wanted, what was “sellable.” But the more I leaned into creating from a place of authenticity, the more I connected with the right people—collectors who truly resonate with my work.
Another challenge is the vulnerability of putting my heart into my paintings and then releasing them into the world. Art is personal, and sharing it means accepting that not everyone will understand it, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that success isn’t measured in sales alone but in the conversations, the impact, and the way a piece makes someone feel.
One of the most pivotal lessons in my journey has been learning to say no. As artists, we’re often tempted to take every opportunity that comes our way, thinking that this one thing might be the moment that changes everything. But I’ve come to realize that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Saying no to things that don’t align with my vision, my values, or my creative energy has given me the space to say yes to the things that truly matter. And in doing so, I’ve found more clarity, more purpose, and ultimately, more success—not just in my career, but in how I feel about my work and my path forward”.
How has your art evolved over time? Are there any significant changes in your style or approach?
“When I first started painting, you could see something unsettled in my work. The unintentional use of bold and dark color choices naturally emerged, mirroring where I was in my life at the time. Back then, I also let chance play a larger role in my process—not because I wanted to, but because I hadn’t yet mastered my now-signature specialty: texture. I was still discovering what worked, still letting my materials guide me rather than the other way around.
Now, after years of practice and refinement, I know what to expect with every stroke of the palette knife. My process has become more intentional, more deeply rooted in my understanding of composition, balance, and emotion. Every layer of texture is placed with purpose, every wash of color carefully considered. But what’s been the most exciting shift is that now, with this mastery of texture, I’ve given myself the freedom to be looser, more playful. Yes, I am intentional, but I’m also having more fun. There’s an ease in my work that wasn’t there before—an openness that comes from truly trusting my instincts. The pieces I create today offer a dramatically different essence and vibe compared to my earlier work, showcasing the journey I’ve been on—not just as an artist, but as a person. My paintings now hold a sense of calm, a feeling of settlement, and a reflection of the growth and clarity I’ve found along the way”.
Is there a particular piece of art that holds special meaning to you? Why is it significant?
“Right now, the piece that holds the most meaning to me is Move with Purpose. In recent months, I’ve found myself bringing back darker tones and bolder colors into my work, but this time, from a completely different place. In the past, deep hues naturally emerged from a space of uncertainty, reflecting an unsettled chapter in my life. But now, after years of growth and refinement, I can use these same colors to tell a different story—one of confidence, intention, and calm.
This piece represents a full-circle moment for me. It’s a reminder that I’m no longer searching for my place; I’m in it. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, and Move with Purpose is an expression of that quiet strength. It symbolizes not just movement, but movement with clarity, with trust in myself, and with the deep knowing that I am exactly where I need to be”.
Can you share a personal story that significantly impacted your art or artistic journey?
“There was a time when I was balancing my art with a 15-year career in nursing. It was secure, familiar, and meaningful in its own way, but I knew in my heart that painting was what I was meant to do. Making the leap to becoming a full-time artist was terrifying—there was no roadmap, no guarantees. But I knew I had to follow this path.
That transition was one of the hardest yet most fulfilling experiences of my life. I learned to trust myself, to embrace uncertainty, and to let my art be the bridge between myself and others. Every piece I create is a reminder of that choice, of that moment when I decided to honor my passion fully”.
What are some personal milestones or achievements that you’re most proud of?
“This might sound a little cheeky, but one of the achievements I’m most proud of is being part of the team at Farmboy Fine Arts for so many years. The fact that my work continues to have a place in your projects as you grow and take on bigger, more beautiful endeavors is something truly special. It’s a reminder that my art is evolving alongside you, that it still resonates, and that I’ve built something with staying power.
But above all, I’m incredibly proud that I haven’t given up over the last 24 years. Being an artist is not an easy path—it requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep belief in what you’re creating. There were so many moments where I could have thrown in the towel, convinced myself it was too hard, too uncertain, too risky. But something inside me always said, keep going. And I did. Now, this crazy, unpredictable journey is paying off—not just financially, but in ways that truly matter. My art has given me a sense of purpose, clarity, and a way to share something meaningful with the world. It has shaped my mental well-being, my heart, and my entire way of moving through life. And that, to me, is the greatest achievement of all”.
