Donna Lesley’s journey begins in sunny Southern California, where, as a young girl, she quickly reveals a natural talent for painting. In the 1960s, her work catches the attention of the Laguna Beach School of Art, earning her an offer of a full scholarship. But life has other plans—raising a family and working full-time leaves little room for creative pursuits, and for decades, her brushes sit mostly untouched.

Everything changes after Donna moves to the quiet beauty of Montana in 2000. Surrounded by nature’s poetry, she rediscovers her passion—and this time, she follows it with her whole heart. In 2006, she begins painting floral watercolors, immersing herself in the medium with a self-taught artist’s devotion. Over the next ten years, she creates more than 100 luminous works that bloom with emotion and elegance.

Her talent doesn’t go unnoticed. Donna receives numerous awards, and her painting Mr. Daly’s Roses is featured in Splash 2014, a premier anthology showcasing the best in contemporary watercolor.

She once said, “A work of art is 25% technique, 25% composition, and 50% mood.” Every piece she creates reflects that balance—technically skilled, thoughtfully composed, and deeply felt.

Today, Donna Lesley’s work continues to inspire, capturing not just the beauty of flowers, but the resilience of a creative spirit that never fades.