Whimsy on iron

16 Jul 2025

Donna Brydon never set out to become an artist, it just kind of happened. A forgotten piece of corrugated iron, a lingering idea about painting an alpine scene and a bit of creative curiosity were all it took to set her on this path. Now her garden art is instantly recognisable with a joyful blend of Resene colours, nature and characters with big personality.

Describing her style as “somewhere between naive and whimsical, loud and bright,” Donna creates each piece with both playfulness and detail, bringing life to the humble iron sheet. Her work is inspired by the natural world around her, from the bush and birdlife of her West Coast home to whatever pops up in her imagination.

Donna often mixes Resene testpots to get the exact colours she wants. This cottage is painted in a mix of Resene Red Berry, Resene Pizza, Resene White, Resene Picton Blue and Resene Allports.

Using etching primer to prep the iron, she then paints her work with an array of Resene testpots. “I love Resene’s bright strong colours,” she says. “They’re ideal for my style, they don’t fade and they stand up to all conditions.” Favourites like Resene Teal Blue, Resene Bright Spark and Resene Red Berry make frequent appearances in Donna’s work, bringing to life everything from Tūīs in trees to sheep with serious style.

This trendy sheep painting features Resene White, Resene Bright Spark, Resene Dark Buff and Resene Picton Blue.

Although she’s retired, Donna says this colourful venture has become her passion and dream, which she now has the time to follow. Among her many creations, one piece stands out. A commissioned portrait of a black labrador with soulful eyes that still sticks with her. “His eyes told it all,” she says.

Donna’s fantail piece is bright and cheerful, painted in a mix of Resene Tree Frog, Resene Dizzy Lizzy, Resene Bright Spark and Resene Sepia.

Artist Donna in her studio.

Each piece Donna creates feels like a window into a story. One painted with heart, humour and a whole lot of colour.

Check out her work on Facebook.

Published: 16 Jul 2025