Meet Donna Giraud | Contemporary Abstract Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Giraud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the most important factor behind my success as an artist has been my ability to put in the work. And I am not talking about actually painting the artwork. Rather, it is the attention to the details, the constant pivoting when times change, trying new and creative ways to get in front of new clients and never being satisfied with just doing the bare minimum. When you take the extra time to make the whole experience something the client will remember, this is how you find success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Donna Giraud and I am an abstract artist, living and practising in Vancouver, British Columbia. I create large scale, textural paintings often reminiscent of west coast landscapes that offer both a powerful emotional impact and an uplifting, peaceful aesthetic.

I believe my signature use of texture is what sets me a part from others. I have found a way to create movement and shapes that tell a story that most people can relate to. Art should make you feel something. Whether it’s optimism, hope, positivity or nostalgia, my work tends to captivate and feel like a warm hug at the same time.

Currently, I am most proud of how I managed to have my most successful year in 2020 despite the world shutting down. I was forced to think differently and come up with new and creative ways for people to see my art and the response was remarkable. With solid relationships with my collectors and fans coupled with a little innovation, my art was able to help transform the rooms in people’s homes and create spaces where people wanted to stay.

Becoming a professional artist that thrives and makes a living off of their art is an exceptionally rare and difficult path to take. Nothing about this journey has been easy but I wouldn’t trade it up for anything. I think with intension, patience and perseverance, I have been able to create a career that not only feeds my soul, but has the ability to truly impact people’s hearts and spaces.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way, is that relationships matter. Whether you are an instagram follower, a show attendee, my biggest collector or know nothing about art and just want to chat about my work, building and nurturing the relationships with everyone that I come across has been essential. I thrive to make every interaction and experience a memorable one and because of that, when people are ready to buy art, they often buy from me.

I want as many people as possible to know that bringing art into your life is a wonderful experience that should not be overlooked. Art has the power to heal and transform and you should not be intimidated to commit to finding that perfect piece of art. Art does not have to be expensive and all that matters is that you love it. If one of those pieces happens to be mine, I would be happy and honoured to help you through the process. I pride myself on making the art buying experience as enjoyable and easy as possible. If you live in the lower mainland of Vancouver, I am also now offering an option to see my work in the comfort of your own home. I will bring the art right to you so you can immediately see it in your space. For those not as close, all my available art is currently posted on my website at www.donnagiraudart.com and if you want me to create something custom just for you, I can do that too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are ever up here in Vancouver, here are my favorite spots you must check out after you come visit me and see my art.

Breakfast: Chambar (www.chambar.com)
Coffee House: Coo Coo Coffee (IG handle @coocoocoffeeyaletown)
Dinner: Nightingale (hawknightingale.com)
Cocktails: The Botanist (www.botanistrestaurant.com)
Local Tourist Attraction: The Capilano Suspension Bridge (www.capbridge.com)
Hike: Lynn Canyon Loop (10 km)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The saying goes, “It takes a village,” and I couldn’t agree more. I am a firm believer that the right people show up at the right time and I have so much gratitude for the people that showed up throughout my journey. Those that deserve a little dedication and extra credit are as follows.

My dad for giving me the gift of the gab, the ability to create relationships and for setting up/taking down every show I have ever done. He truly is my number one fan.

An ex-boyfriend for pushing me to have my first art show. I am not sure I would be where I am today if that show didn’t happen.

And finally, my husband Paul. Without hesitation, he encouraged and supported my decision to leave my 15 year career as a nurse to start my own business as a professional artist. He made one of the scariest transitions of my life utterly seamless and made me feel like I was capable of achieving anything. Because of his unwavering support and belief in me, I was able to truly focus and build my dream job and life.

Website: www.donnagiraudrt.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/donnagiraudart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donnagiraudart

Image Credits
Charles Zuckermann and Jasayln Thorne