Renville artist Dona Larkin showcases garden paintings at Redwood Falls Public Library
Feb. 21—REDWOOD FALLS
— When the Tantaka Arts group asked Dona Larkin about putting on an exhibit at the Redwood Falls Public Library, the artist didn't have to look far for the paintings she would show. First done for a show at the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul nearly 25 years ago, the collection of paintings came back to
Renville County
with Larkin.
"When I got done with the show, I just liked the feeling they gave me and I hung them in my living room," Larkin said, during an artist reception Feb. 10 to celebrate her work at the Redwood Falls Library. The exhibit, held by
Tatanka Arts
, is open through Feb. 29 in the library meeting room during regular business hours.
Art and painting have always been a part of Larkin's life, who grew up near Renville and today still calls the area home. Many of her siblings are also creative, but Larkin was the one who decided to make it her life's work. She attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and for more than 50 years has made a living with her paintbrush, mostly through commissioned paintings.
"I have to have done thousands of them," Larkin said, who does paintings for both private collections and public spaces.
The paintings currently on show in Redwood Falls were done especially for the former Garden Gallery at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. Larkin had applied for and was accepted to put on an individual exhibit at the gallery around 2000.
"It is such a magical place," Larkin said of the conservatory. "You go in there and just feel inspired."
The show included paintings done at the conservatory, along with other artworks that highlighted nature, gardens and light. The paintings were required to have metal frames and a layer of varnish to protect the works from the high levels of humidity and ultraviolet light found at the conservatory.
"I spent quite a few months getting ready for the show," Larkin said. "It was fun to do it. I like to do the work of an artist."
Larkin believes that people see, feel and experience art differently depending on their mood. She does hope visitors to her show take some enjoyment from landscapes depicted in her garden paintings during a rather grey winter.
The Como Park show includes traditional paintings as well as those for which Larkin used a special textured acrylic technique. Those paintings included the impressions of real leaves that Larkin created using a type of modeling paste.
It is an example of the art experimentation Larkin has always enjoyed doing. Lately, she has been creating collage paintings that use the dried leftover paint from the artist pallets she uses when painting. It creates a textured surface on the work. Larkin has even painted on used tea bag fabric using the collage technique.
Larkin also enjoys using nature as inspiration for her work. She'll spend hours down by the Minnesota River, just gathering inspiration before heading to her studio to create.
"Going to my studio and creating art is just a joy to me," Larkin said. "I'm so lucky I can."
She also makes sure to thank her husband, Joe, who Larkin said plays a big role in her painting success.
"You need a supportive spouse. He has been great," Larkin said.
Larkin's next public show of her work will be during Studio Hop, held by the Willmar Area Arts Council, this spring. She will exhibit and sell her work in the Barn Theatre with a few other artists during the event. She also has a studio full of art she is happy to show people. They can set up an appointment with Larkin by emailing her at
And what is next for her Garden Gallery paintings once the Redwood Falls show is over? Well, most likely they're going back on Larkin's living room walls where they'll continue to bring the magic of the Como Park Conservatory and gardens to her home.
