Donna Brewins-Cook

I have been been a practising artist since graduating in Fine Art in 1998, and since then I have worked freelance in various art studios around the Yorkshire region.

My workshops are always relaxed, friendly and welcome to all levels, backgrounds and are spaces for all.

I draw my inspiration from the constant possibilities of painting and the challenge of its unpredictable nature in conveying a subject. I am 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 me, and my current work explores the raw emotions I have experienced through personal challenges including the corrosive effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other long term illnesses. Whilst these experiences are highly personal, I believe that by exploring these emotions in my work I am creating a voice where one might normally be at risk of being suppressed and hidden.

I have 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 I produced a large bespoke painting as a focus piece for a living area. I have also sold my work to public and private collections within the UK and Europe. In the summer of 2018 I had two paintings selected for the prestigious BEEP International Painting Prize, Swansea. I am also featured in a recent book 'WOMEN-Inspiring Quotes & Artistic Responses, Vol 2'. by Nicola & Andy Wild.

I recently appeared on BBC Springwatch 2025 series, talking about my mental health and how my wildlife garden and home art studio helped with my recovery.

Through my well-being art classes and other art workshops I want to bring art to a diverse range of audiences, demonstrating that art is for everyone. My workshops are welcoming, friendly, safe spaces that encourage dialogue, experimentation and embrace acceptance of new exciting ideas in the visual art world.

I currently live in Sheffield with my husband and enjoy roaming the high ground nearby with our whippet Blue.