Donald Earley

A multi-award-winning painter originally from Queens, NY., Earley has called Greenville, West Virginia his home for the last 20+ years. His diverse background includes studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology and teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA, VCU Qatar and much in between. As a true, dedicated creator, his preferred mediums range from oil, charcoal/graphite, printmaking (intaglio—etching, lithpgraphy), collage/mixed media and sculpture. Earley is inspired by contemporary movements such as Me Too and Black Lives Matter, and he draws influence from renowned artists like Antonio Lopez and Jack Spencer.

Earley defines his style as “awareness art,” which combines symbolism, impressionism, and surrealism with a focus on expression over touch. His art strives to convey a message of empowerment through social justice issues, resulting in captivating pieces that speak louder than words.

As prolific as his education and experiences, his work has been displayed, awarded and collected all over America and beyond, from New York, D.C., Nashville, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami. No surprise, his work has been collected by many museums and galleries such as: WV State Museum, Tennessee State Museum, Nashville International Airport and numerous private collectors like, WV Senator Joe Manchin and Oprah Winfrey.

Earley says, “When I look at my work, I feel like I am living on the edge of life, holding a butterfly net, trying to catch dreams as they go by–I am a romantic.”