Donna Brewins-Cook
Donna has been a practising artist since graduating in Fine Art in 1998, and since then she has worked freelance in various artists studios around the Yorkshire region, including the award winning Yorkshire Artspace in Sheffield. Donna now works from her home attic studio in Sheffield.
Donna has delivered a number of public and private commissions, including a commission for a client featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs television programme in 2013 where Donna produced a very large bespoke painting as a focal piece for a contemporary living area; this commission also included a visit from Kevin McCloud, and been filmed on the North Yorkshire Moors painting the prelimanary piece for the commission.
In the summer of 2018 Donna had two paintings selected for the prestigious BEEP International Painting Prize, Swansea. She has also featured in a book 'WOMEN-Inspiring Quotes & Artistic Responses, Vol 2'. by Nicola & Andy Wild.
In 2025, Donna also appeared on BBC Springwatch 2025 series, featuring in a 3 minute film, talking about her mental health and how her wildlife garden and home art studio helped with her recovery.
Donna has also sold her work to public and private collections in the UK and Europe.
Donna draws her inspiration from the constant possibilities of painting and the challenge of its unpredictable nature in conveying a subject. She is most interested in the process of painting and the expression it provides, translating a depth of feeling that is both personal but also shared with the viewer. Psychotherapy has directly influenced Donna and she has explored the raw emotions she has experienced in her work, including the corrosive effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other long term illnesses. Whilst these experiences are highly personal, Donna believes that by exploring these emotions in her work she is creating a voice where one might normally be at risk of being suppressed and hidden.
Donna's well-being art classes and other art workshops bring creative practice art to a diverse range of audiences, demonstrating that art is for everyone. The workshops are welcoming, friendly, safe spaces that encourage dialogue, experimentation and embrace acceptance of new exciting ideas in the visual art world.
Donna’s works are created as sustainably as possible, sourcing her canvas, frames and other materials from reputable art suppliers. Her oil paints are mixed with a Green Eco alternative to traditional paint thinners.