Artist Raven Skye McDonough of Venice loves to experiment and try new things. It explains her natural affinity for mixed media and non-traditional collages. Many of her colorful and interesting creations involve hours of layering different patterned papers to celebrate nature, wildlife, pets, landscapes, seascapes, and the spirit and beauty of life.
     Raven was born and raised in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and her love for art began blooming when she was five-years-old. Her earliest career aspirations included becoming an artist or a veterinarian. Continued development from private art lessons through high school helped her earn a scholarship for art training at the Worcester Art Museum.
     “I’ve always loved vibrant colors and textures so working with mixed media and collage is a fun and meaningful way for me to be creative,” she noted. “I start with an idea and then I surrender to my creativity wherever that takes me. It’s a form of emersion where time seems to stand still.”
     The use of patterned papers in her collages is one of the ways her creations stand out along with a liberal integration of photography and acrylic paint.
     In addition to her love of animals and nature, Raven is also inspired by our Florida habitat, her active mind, Native American heritage, and her spiritual sensibilities. Her work has garnered many awards and other acknowledgements by art groups around the U.S. Locally, Raven is on the board of the Venice Art Center and a member of various art groups including the North Port Art Center and Left Coast Pastel Painters Society. She donates art each year to support the Sarasota in Defense of Animals (SDA) annual fundraising auction. See more of Raven’s art at RavenSkyeStudio.com or visit Sea Escape Gallery at 206 Miami Ave. W. on Venice Island.