About The Artist

Where Art Meets Emotion, and Stories Come to Life

Virginia Donovan

A Modern & Traditional Painter

My journey as an artist didn’t begin with a paintbrush in my hand. It started as an admirer, attending gallery receptions, falling in love with art, and slowly building my own collection.  Some friends had opened an art gallery, and I was one of their early supporters—not as an artist, but as a client.

Wanting to help them out, I decided to take a class. One class turned into another, and before I knew it, I was painting. That same gallery later gave me my first duo show, and to my complete surprise, I sold four paintings on opening night! That was the moment I knew—I was an artist.

A Career, a New Passion & an Unexpected Path

At the time, I was balancing a full-time career (and life as a single parent). Art became an outlet—a way to explore, express, and grow in new directions. What started as a creative endeavor soon turned into a passion that reshaped my world.

That passion has taken me across the United States and beyond—painting in places like New Zealand, Italy, France, Canada, England, and Poland, each experience enriching my work in new ways.

RiverWinds Gallery & International Experiences

In 2003, I co-founded RiverWinds Gallery in Beacon, NY, with several other artists. RiverWinds became a vibrant space showcasing both traditional and contemporary works—paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and fiber arts. More than 200 artists shared their work through RiverWinds over the years, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a creative and supportive community. Though we had to close in 2020 due to the pandemic, its impact still resonates.

One of my most unforgettable experiences came in 2007 when I was one of only two Americans invited to paint at the Jean-Paul LaPointe International Symposium in Chicoutimi, Quebec. For four days, I painted alongside 41 other artists, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world. The following year, I was the only American participant at a similar event in Shawinigan, Quebec—thankfully, my little bit of French carried me through!

Bannerman’s Island & a Personal Connection

If you’ve ever heard of Bannerman’s Island, you’ll know it’s a hauntingly beautiful castle ruin in the middle of the Hudson River. I’ve long supported the Bannerman Castle Trust, donating artwork and participating in art shows and benefits to help preserve this historic site. But my connection runs deeper—my mother was a teenager when she lived on the island for two years, making it a place of both history and personal significance for me.

Today, I’m honored to be represented by Bannerman Island Gallery, keeping my ties to this special place strong.

The Healing Power of Art

Beyond being my passion, I know firsthand that art is also a source of healing. As a cancer survivor, I can personally attest to its power—not just in recovery, but in rediscovering joy, purpose, and resilience. Art lifts the soul and expands our appreciation for the world in ways words often can’t.

A New Chapter

These days, I call Maryland home, where I live with my cat (who diligently oversees my work) and enjoy being closer to family, including two wonderful grandchildren. I still travel often back home to the Hudson River Valley to participate in art shows and events, staying connected to the people and place where it all began.

Art continues to shape my world, and I love sharing that journey with others.

If my work speaks to you, I’d love to hear from you—what inspires you? What’s your story? Let’s connect.