Donna Smallenberg, born in New Westminster, BC, Canada, started to explore her artistic talent after being inspired by both her high school art teacher and a close personal friend. Her art style developed out of her fascination for drawing people and interest in fashion illustration.

Challenged by a desire to paint people but not individual portraits, she chose to focus on subjects that would appeal to a larger audience. Donna has created pieces depicting African and Victorian cultures, but truly found her element when she ventured into the medieval era. She was especially inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites.

Donna's artistic skill, which has been mostly self-developed, has brought her into a full-time career as an artist. With facial expression and intricate detail being central to the impact of each painting, most of her pieces take several months to complete.

Symbolism is paramount in her approach to each Biblically inspired piece. Crowns, armour, swords and animals play a part in the message. Although feminine and romantic in style, laced with jewels, flowing hair, sumptuous velvets, baroque patterns, and deep, rich colour, her works appeal to a variety of collectors. Donna continues to include ethnic paintings in her collection and is constantly working on new-inspired original pieces.

Donna's heart is to make her images affordable by offering limited editions, art posters and art cards. Her artwork is sold internationally.