Naturalist painter Brad Donner

Bradley “Brad” Donner has been sketching and doing art since he was old enough to hold a pencil. Now, he has his art on exhibit in the Waseca Art Center. 

Donner grew up in New Ulm, where he learned how to paint watercolor, acrylic, and do ceramics at the community’s education-based art center. “That is the reason I decided to join the Art Center in Waseca,” Donner said. “To give back.” 

Forty years ago, Donner moved to Waseca to work at EF Johnson. He stayed there for 16 years before becoming a commercial printer in Owatonna for 22 years. Donner said once the company switched hands and moved to the Cities four years ago, he decided to retire, stay in Waseca, and finally focus full-time on his art. 

After Donner had been painting at home for three years, he frequently found himself driving around Clear Lake because he needed a break from painting all morning. This encouraged him to get involved with the Waseca Art Center as something to do, joining the team part-time while also continuing work on his naturalistic themed art. 

Donner said he grew up in an area full of trees and nature. He was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and liked to camp. After getting a big bird book for Christmas one year, Donner was inspired to paint nature because that’s where his interests lie. He calls himself a naturalist painter - or a naturalist who paints.

Many of Donner’s works consist of nature backgrounds with owls, robins, elk, and even a majestic buffalo. He finds inspiration from his own trips and experiences, and from photos he has taken. 

“I don’t like to paint anything that I don’t know,” said Donner. “You get a better result if you know your subject.” 

Despite Donner’s familiarity with the animals and scenes he paints, he realizes onlookers may not feel the same level of connection.

“I want them to feel like they've been there,” he said. 

That is why Donner decides to do the shows, along with pointing out small details he sees that others miss, like a little bunch of wildflowers in the woods. He says painting gives him a real sense of satisfaction, which he enjoys. 

The one piece of advice he would give upcoming artists is to keep working. “Don’t give up. If you’re not happy with what you have right now, keep trying,” said Donner. “You’ll progress and you’ll get better.” 

Donner’s art exhibit will be on display at the Waseca Art Center until June 23. More of his art can be found at his website, www.bradleydonnerwildart.com.