I would love to share a good friend's art....
"Nicky" Gaines
About the artist: Donna Chopp attended Cal Poly, Pomona as a pre-vet student and worked at a large equine clinic in Chino, Ca. She now manages Equine Insurance as her "day" job, specializing in equine and farm-related insurance coverages. I have my horses insured through her and couldn't be happier with the service. She is an active rider and participant in horse shows. Donna also enjoys cycling, is a certified aerobic instructor and teaches spinning classes.
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I was born in Oconomowoc, WI and my family moved to California when I was 3. We moved alot, so I was a shy kid and had lots of time to myself. I have 3 sisters and 1 brother, but the closest sister is 6 years older, so she didn't want to hang out with me. I always enjoyed drawing, my father was very artistic and loved to do calligraphy and lettering. I was more of a free spirit and started to draw and paint. In high school I started to draw horses using pastels that I found in
the garage. I loved copying the pictures of horses in the Arabian Magazines. My mother wanted me to go to art school, but I wanted to pursue other interests and keep art as my hobby. As I got older, and more busy, I had less time to draw and it got put on the back burner. In 1999 I took a watercolor class and had a blast. The teacher told me if I practiced (every day) I could be pretty good. I have done a few paintings, but not my best medium (Plus I have not practiced). About 9 months ago, a friend at the barn wanted a picture of her dog done on black paper, I told her I could give it a try and see what happens. It turn out pretty good, so I started doing others for gifts, and I am really liking it.
"Riley" TaskerWhen did you first start drawing animals?
In high school really.
How long does it take you on average to feel like a piece is completed?
It depends, several hours to several days...It depends on my mood and the flow of the portrait. Sometimes I hate them as I am working on them, and I have to give it time to work itself out.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Not really, sometimes I just leave the picture out and look at it. Usually, I think, "I am not sure I can do this" then I just start drawing and let the picture develop...
What else are you passionate about?
Horses and riding! I love it.
Anything else you'd like to add....
I really do not think of myself as an artist...I think I have artistic ability, but an artist really can create from their mind. I really am enjoying creating the portraits and hope to keep doing 2 to 3 per month.
In high school really.
How long does it take you on average to feel like a piece is completed?
It depends, several hours to several days...It depends on my mood and the flow of the portrait. Sometimes I hate them as I am working on them, and I have to give it time to work itself out.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Not really, sometimes I just leave the picture out and look at it. Usually, I think, "I am not sure I can do this" then I just start drawing and let the picture develop...
What else are you passionate about?
Horses and riding! I love it.
Anything else you'd like to add....
I really do not think of myself as an artist...I think I have artistic ability, but an artist really can create from their mind. I really am enjoying creating the portraits and hope to keep doing 2 to 3 per month.
"Sammy" Gatti
Donna and "Cyrano"If you are interested in commissioned portrait services, you can contact Donna through email donna@equine-ins.com. Portraits start at $300.
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