Darla Donley Shares her Passion for Art

What started as a fun activity with the hubby quickly turned into a full-blown passion for Darla Donley.

Five years ago, her husband came home from an errand to Hobby Lobby and told Darla he had signed them up for a painting class. While Darla was a little surprised, she thought it would be a fun Saturday activity. She had never been a painter, sketcher, drawer - or creator of art.

Darla went in with no expectations. However, by the time they were walking out of class, Darla and her husband both knew Darla had caught the painting bug before they even made it to the car.

And once Darla caught the bug, she was all in. She took more classes and watched endless YouTube videos as well as a fair number of DVDs. Her education led her to become a Certified Bob Ross Instructor. While this was a good first step in her art education, Darla was left wanting.

Darla craved more detail. She found Wilson Bickford (a featured artist on PBS popular for his landscapes and seascapes) in early 2015 and became a Painting Partner. A year later, Darla had achieved the status of a Wilson Bickford Trained Teacher.

She spent the next two years painting and teaching classes while she raised a family. As she home-schooled two teenagers she found refuge and stress relief in painting.

In 2017, Darla became interested in the renowned portrait artist, Valerie Stewart. Filled with nerves and anxiety, she attended Valerie’s class in Florida. Darla did exactly what she said, made mistakes, watched her fix them and developed a clearer understanding of portrait painting. It was this experience that turned out to be the tipping point for Darla’s painting career.

Valerie left Darla a note in her journal inviting her to a semi-private painting lesson at her home. Darla was thrilled! Valerie saw something in Darla and encouraged her to keep going. During a semi-private four-day class, Darla learned more about old master portrait technique. Valerie encouraged Darla to start her instructor certification class. Darla was hesitant, but her biggest proponent - still her husband who had taken her to her first painting class - encouraged her to keep going.

After 16 months of painting four to five times per week, Darla achieved her goal of becoming a Valerie Stewart Portrait Instructor. She knew when she started portraiture that this would become her passion. She recently has delved deeper into specifically pet portraiture and says her passion is now running at Mach 3 with her hair on fire.

Darla’s paintings, prints and cards are available at select galleries and vendors including Coconut Barrel. Darla also paints commissioned pieces.

But more than just portraiture, Darla is vehement about old master technique. There are many talented artists, but very few teach technique - something Darla offers St. Augustine.

Darla teaches fine art classes to any level artist - including beginners - and stands behind her saying, “Yes! You can Paint!” But don’t mistake Darla’s classes for wine-infused girls’ night painting classes. Through proper instruction, Darla brings to light real undiscovered talent in her students and encourages them all to never sell themselves short. She wishes she had brought to light her own hidden talent 20 years earlier.

Darla teaches people and pet portraiture, as well as landscapes and greeting cards at several locations throughout St. Johns County, including Coconut Barrel, Hobby Lobby and Michael’s. Her dream is to have her own studio where she can focus on teaching detailed painting classes with the main focus on portraiture. Darla uses a wide variety of techniques including wet-on-wet oil painting techniques, traditional oil painting, palette knife painting and even finger painting.  

Explore Darla’s art and register for classes by visiting her online.