Marshmallows and sunshine: Artist Christine Donaldson’s colourful treats

22 Jul 2021

Most people return from their exotic holidays ladened with pictures of people, landscapes and food. Christine Donaldson comes back with colours. She has crossed oceans and traversed lands as far afield as Bali, Thailand and India, bringing home sketchbooks brimming with whimsical watercolours that capture the essence of the places she has visited. Now, she transfers her memories onto canvas with a vibrant array of Resene paint. 

Sweet and sunny, her artwork is a treat in itself. A pinch of Resene BFF and a dash of Resene Irresistible are tossed into a swirling mix of colours that are a feast for the eyes. Her paintings are saturated with a luscious energy that is sure to ensnare any passer-by. 

‘Marshmallows and sunshine’ uses another of Christine’s favourite colours, Resene BFF. She paired this bright pink with Resene Freelance, Resene Alabaster, Resene Red Tape, Resene Irresistible, Resene FOMO and Resene Dark Knight.

A love of drawing has been a constant throughout Christine’s life. Fifteen years ago, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she began to take her creativity seriously. “I took the opportunity whilst having time off work to go to art classes,” says Christine. “I loved the freedom of painting and once I had the time to pursue it, I couldn’t seem to stop!  

“The canvases started to fill up the living room and when my partner asked what I was going to do with them, my reply was ‘I’ll sell them.’” 

Christine’s favourite piece of work is ‘Chakra Dance 1’ that uses an eclectic mix of Resene Colours including Resene Freelance, Resene Alabaster, Resene BFF, Resene Red Tape, Resene Irresistible, Resene FOMO and Resene Dark Knight.

Christine now paints full time, running Art Workshops for children during the school holidays. Her abstract paintings are playful in design, with bold and vibrant Resene colours a dominant thread through her pieces. “I find acrylic paint more forgiving and easier to work with,” says Christine, who loves using bright colours such as Resene Irresistible and Resene Red Tape. “I’ve been using Resene paint for many years and I just love the incredible range of colours as well as their subtlety.

“I like to incorporate lots of energy and interest, I love when people see different things in my work – when they can ‘see inside’ the painting and catch something new which is a little surprise.” 

‘Rainbow Skies’ is a cheerful and energetic painting brought to life with Resene Freelance, Resene Alabaster, Resene BFF, Resene Red Tape, Resene Irresistible, Resene FOMO and Resene Dark Knight.

Christine’s colour palette changes depending on the work she is doing at the time. For her commissioned pieces, she selects key colours from swatches of fabric, a rug or a cushion in the client’s home. From there Christine uses her Resene fandeck to build a colour scheme within the artwork that sits harmoniously within the home. 

This whimsical piece entitled ‘Flowers or fantasy’ uses one of Christine’s favourite colours, Resene Freelance alongside Resene Alabaster, Resene BFF, Resene Red Tape, Resene Irresistible, Resene FOMO and Resene Dark Knight.

Abstract work is trickier for Christine, as she disregards plans and sketches to create a balance using colours, brushstrokes and marks. “Once there’s a connection with the painting I try and let the painting guide me, which can be pretty scary!” says Christine. “I want the painting to have lots of energy, to be interesting, and to take the viewer into its depths and make up their own minds about what they see. 

“That’s where Resene works beautifully for me.” 

Once Christine begins applying paint to the canvas, she establishes a connection with the painting, allowing herself to let go of any preconceived ideas and let the flow of paint guide her.

To see more of Christine’s work, check out her Facebook, Instagram or website 

Published: 22 Jul 2021