Today we’d like to introduce you to Donte.
Donte, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve had a creative spirit since I was very young: drawing patterns, doodling in notebooks, killing it on the recorder then later the clarinet! However, since nobody in my immediate family supported my sister and I in our creative endeavors getting anywhere with these abilities was not in the cards so I thought. Fast forward to about 2018 – I’m working as a paint contractor for my family’s business, and I notice how easy this skill of painting comes to me. I’m enjoying it! But I realize fairly quickly that I couldn’t express myself completely, not on the walls of our clients at least. They didn’t pay for my seemingly random thoughts to be plastered up and down their walls. So, one day I decided to purchase some canvases, a set of paint brushes, and a few tubes of acrylic paint and began experimenting with techniques I had learned painting and refinishing houses as a contractor. That’s how I discovered my passion for painting!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Shoot, it still isn’t! Most creatives know it can be tough to continue working a 9 to 5 after discovering you have a huge passion for creating, whatever it may be. So, juggling between work and life outside of work has been a challenge. On top of that, it’s expensive to paint; materials aren’t cheap! But I love how therapeutic painting has been for me, therefore I will not stop.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently an art fitter for an art framing and service shop downtown, working towards obtaining my CDL license.
As far as my art, I create experimental abstract works ranging from simplistic color blocking and line work to heavily plastered, thought-provoking pieces.
I’m known for being a reserved individual. I tend to stay to myself. I’m working on broadening my horizons so to speak, taking in more of what life has to offer in the form of people, experiences, lessons, etc.
I am proud of my ability to take various skills I have learned over the years working at restaurants, warehouses, and retail shops and use them in some way to create a cool piece of art.
What sets me apart from others? You tell me. I don’t concern myself with what other people have going on enough to draw up comparisons. It’s not something I do. I create because I love it, simple as that.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Shoot, a mentor would be lovely! Help me navigate this crazy world. But my sister has always made sure I keep my head on straight and not get into too much trouble even in those times I felt I had no clue where I was headed in my life, so I appreciate her for that. I also want to thank my good friends Ashley, @ashlizzey, and Sydney Rose, @imsydneyrose, for being supportive from the jump and both capturing dope photos of me from time to time. Lastly, I’d like to thank a man by the name of Zhonore, a local producer here in Dallas for being my first client and commissioning a piece. That commission let me know that if I just continue to stay the course, create and put all my faith in God, I’ll be able to take care of everyone around me through my creativity alone. That’s the vision. It’s gonna take some time of course, but I’m patient. It’ll happen, it’s already written!
Pricing:
- XL Paintings (36″x36″ and up) $245
- Large Paintings (24″x24″-24″x36″) $165
- Medium Paintings (16″x20″-18″x24″) $100
- Small Paintings (8″x8″-14″x14″) $50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_dontedoit and @dontepaints
- Email: dontepaints8@gmail.com
