Creation is a dialogue, not a monologue. -Michael David Mayo
Marlaina is a third-generation painter forging her own path and living the creative
process as a sacred act, one intended to bring the viewer closer to the infinite beauty of existence.
She received her first commission at age sixteen, but art did not become a dedication until her
mid-20s when her life plans were derailed by a sudden onset of myalgic encephalomyelitis, a
chronic debilitating illness she would battle for two and a half decades. Art was a lifeline and
catharsis as she dove headfirst into professional portraiture, art of the sacred feminine, and
naturescapes with a focus on magnificent trees and windswept heavens.
For twenty years, she had exhibits in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York state,
but a life-altering physical health remission in 2016 forever changed how and why she creates.
Marlaina retreated into her studio and emerged seven years later with 200+ paintings, but craving
deeper purpose and interaction, pulled out of the conventional gallery scene. Since 2022,
her SkyStories exhibits at women's retreats, wellness centers, contemplative spaces, nature
sanctuaries, and private residences have been multisensory immersions featuring her visionary
paintings, original music, poetry, hand-blended aromatherapy, and live Tibetan singing bowls. In
these environments, each painting is placed as a meditative station unto itself where viewers can
sit, kneel, lie, or stand for a personal transcendent experience.
When it feels right, Marlaina also shows her work at select exhibit spaces.
See the Exhibit page for details about her summer 2026 exhibition,
her first official show in 10 years.
Medium & Process
After working in acrylic for 25 years, Donato switched solely to oils in 2011. She follows the
path of the old masters- traditional oil techniques that include walnut oil, spike and linseed,
eliminating the need for toxic thinners including turpentine.
She also works in pure pigment soft pastel,
oil pastel, and mixed media on paper.
Unlike many of today's painters,
Marlaina does not use tracing, projectors, or photo canvases.
Despite the rise of AI and its decimation of the arts,
she unwaveringly and unapologetically chooses to work from an organic,
heart-infused place and does not use AI during any phase of her painting process.
On most days, she can be found in her studio
working on her private body of work that chronicles
her healing journey.
If you are interested in
hosting a SkyStories healing exhibit at your
business or retreat,
please use the Contact form.
Marlaina is currently unavailable for commissions.