Donna Maria Taylor

Artist in York

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The Artist

Donna is an award winning artist, designer and tutor based in the beautiful City of York in North Yorkshire. With a background in theatre set / costume design & production and a flair for coaching in educational and corporate settings, Donna's expertise shines through in all her endeavours. Also a founding member of South Bank Studios in the Bishopthorpe Road area of York she exhibits regularly both independently and as a part of York Open Studios and North Yorkshire Open Studios. She also offers a variety of one day workshops to suit all abilities, hosts a regular online class and leads bespoke art retreats in the UK and abroad. Additionally she offers creative corporate events for companies in the Yorkshire area and beyond.

More about Donna
IN THE NEWS

WEEKLY CLASS

‘ART CIRCLE’

A PROJECT BASED ONLINE CLASS

Painting of eye
Painting of holly branch
Watercolour study of seeded

NEW TERM STARTING: 21st JANUARY 2026

WEDNESDAY 12PM

ON ZOOM

NEXT BLOCK BEGINS 21ST FEBRUARY 2024

ALL ABILITIES WELCOME - FIND OUT MORE

PORTFOLIO OF ART

CORPORATE EVENTS

ART WORKSHOPS

ART HOLIDAYS

LATEST NEWS:

“This Rugged Earth”

18th Dec to 12th Feb 2026

SOLO EXHIBITION

Bluebird Bakery, 201 Acomb Road, York YO24 4HD

EXHIBITION PRIZE

*VISITORS VOTE WINNER*
Badger in the Wall gallery, Clapham

Autumn Open

ART HOLIDAY in Andalusia

16th to 23rd May 2026

ROOMS AVAILABLE: from just £780 per person per week

Booking now - further details HERE

or please EMAIL to register

KIND WORDS

  • "A really lovely holiday. Donna is a calm and strong leader as well as an excellent teacher and facilitator. She was able to be flexible to provide the best opportunities for all members of the group and respond to any change in circumstances. Beautiful and interesting scenery in a location that provided a truly authentic experience.. Yes, I would definitely book again!”

    J Marsden, Dorset

    Morroccan Art Holiday Attendee

  • "I am so glad to have discovered Donna, she is a gifted art tutor, and knows how to do it on-line. Donna is kind & supportive and she has great ideas, I feel inspired & confident to just have a go at art, thanks to Donna."

    Sue Cooke

    “Zoom” student and former Sheriff of York

  • “Donna is my 'go to' tutor. The sort of tutor you always want around. She's dependable, but never at the expense of being innovative. She's well planned & organised, but highly creative. She can work in any medium you throw at her & with any group of people".

    Claire Douglas

    Visual Arts Curriculum Manager, York Learning

  • ”Much the most liberating art course I’ve ever been on. The format allows for independent decisions in all aspects of drawing EXCEPT adherence to the Theme of the Week which is always an engaging surprise”.

    J Brudenell

    Real life and ‘Zoom’ student, Summer Sketch Books

  • “I have attended Donna’s classes for the last 2 and half years. She has always been both instructive and inspirational, full of ideas and enthusiasm as well as patient and supportive. I have attended a lot of art classes, particularly over the last 14 years and achieved more with Donna than most.”

    B Hunter

    Real life and ‘Zoom’ student

  • “Zoom can never replace 'face to face' but with Donna as art tutor it was as good as it can get. I really enjoyed her online Zoom Summer courses, original ideas and the stimulus to actually want to sit-down and paint and sketch in between sessions. Donna's clear demonstrations and balanced critique made for two very enjoyable and worthwhile courses. Would I sign up again? Yes !”

    T Burlingham

    Real life and ‘Zoom’ student

  • “Highly recommend an art holiday with Donna! Had the best time with the best company and a sketchbook full of inspiration”

    L Mathers, Northants

    Moroccan Art Holiday Attendee

  • “I have always found Donna’s classes really positive and encouraging. Donna creates an inclusive and supportive group atmosphere no matter what level of experience learners have and I have found learning in her classes relaxed and enjoyable. Somehow Donna has managed to transfer all this on-line and I would highly recommend her courses real or virtual!”

    Real life and ‘Zoom’ student

  • “I really enjoyed the Summer sketchbooks course as it encouraged me to work independently and reflect on my work. An interesting stimulus was provided every session which helped to develop drawing and painting skills through a creative approach. The padlet idea was great as it allowed feedback from Donna and other learners. Thanks Donna”

    N Goodby

    “Zoom” student

  • “Donna is a great encourager, whether you're a beginner or more experienced. Her sessions range widely so that one week, for example, we looked at essentials in the home and another week we looked at the colour purple. Her knowledge of art history lets her offer us different ideas and helps to spark our own thinking before we put pencil or brush to paper. My skill has really grown since I first started classes with her.”

    D Archer

    Real life and ‘Zoom’ student

  • “I have attended and enjoyed Donna’s real and virtual art classes, sketchbooks sessions and workshops in watercolour and lino cutting. She brings fresh ideas and challenges into the classes and is always supportive and full of enthusiasm for everyone’s work be it beginners or improver. I like the friendliness of her classes and the way we are able to interact with each other on Zoom.”

    E Chandler

    Real life and “Zoom” student

  • “It was absolutely brilliant! Lovely company, amazing country and venue, perfect tutor and I’ve come away with a concertina sketchbook full of fabulous memories and ideas!”

    C Mycock, Northants

    Moroccan Art Holiday Attendee

  • “An amazing week of art with Donna gently and skillfully guiding a mixed group of abilities with me as a complete beginner! We loved all the varied knowledge and approaches within the group, and the community way everyone shared their different skills too. We came home with amazing sketch books ( in our eyes) and have already booked again for next year.” ❤️

    Lesley and Tim

    Moroccan Art Workshop Attendees

Acrylics

Ardgartan

Ardgartan

Hole of Horcum

Hole of Horcum

Loch Long

Loch Long

See full Acrylic collection

Watercolours

blue_trees_watercolour.jpeg
rainbow_road_painting.jpeg
unexpected_watercolour.jpeg
undulation_watercolour.jpeg
tree_study_dinorwic.jpeg
magical_mystical_watercolour.jpeg
into_the_snow_artwork.jpeg
See full Watercolour collection

Mixed Media / collage

St Leonards Place

St Leonards Place

Clifford's Tower

Clifford's Tower

St William's College

St William's College

See full Mixed Media with Collage collection