Donna Francis, Artist ~ instructor, Colorado Springs

In Donna Francis' case, it's hard to tell whether life imitates art or if it's the other way around. She draws inspiration from the beauty in nature that surrounds her, painting realistic details that range from the delicate petals of a blossoming flower to the soulful eyes of a loyal basset hound. For more than three decades she's honed her craft, and she passes on her tried-and-true techniques to students during classes on oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, as well as pastels and drawing.