Summer of Work and Learning 2012

In Bloom

Another successful Summer of Work and Learning Mural Team program complete with a beautiful mural to brighten up the facade of The Charity Guild building at 501 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.  This summer was challenging with extreme heat and no shade from the sun on the 600+ sq feet of wall, but we made it through!  Below are some pictures of the final mural, but you can view all of the final mural photographs and all of our progress work from start to finish at the Summer of Work and Learning Mural Team Blog.  You can also view mural pictures from previous summers.

"In Bloom"

Design © Laura DeDonato

Summer 2012

If you know of any walls in Brockton, MA that would be perfect for a mural, please let me know!

A Commission Come True!

Purple Begonia
Commissioned wrap around Acrylic Painting
3' x 4' x 1.5"
© Laura DeDonato


Most of my work is commissioned, but when I get the rare chance to do a painting for myself I almost always choose between a flower and a portrait. So, when I was commissioned to paint a flower, it was a dream come true.

I worked with the clients to pick the perfect flower and palette for their bedroom. We agreed on a purple flower with lots of petals. Everywhere I went, I was constantly searching for the perfect, inspiring flower. And, one day there it was, a white tuberous begonia. I took a photograph and digitally altered it to make it purple. Once approved, I started painting and 3 months later, the painting was delivered.

I miss seeing it every day in my studio, but I know it will bring happiness to its new owners!



Note: More pictures to come. Due to the paintings large size, it has been difficult to capture its true colors. The reproduction file is currently being retouched to capture the original painting's color.

Edison Indoor Mural Project - Afterschool Program at the Keith Center

Waiting and ready to be hung, the afterschool Edison indoor mural portrait paintings are complete. It will be framed in the Edison Conference room in the Keith Center in Brockton, MA. Preparations for an invention mural mixed with some of Edison's firsts in Brockton have begun and will be painted and installed on the opposite side of the room.

The three panels show Edison as a child, young man and in his later years. Edison's interest in invention and entrepreneurial endeavors was sparked at a young age. The conference room is used for meetings with people all over the state as well as students from Brockton school. The panels will be installed with the young Edison in the middle with the other two looking towards him as a reminder of the powerful contributions one can make at any age and how important trial, error and persistence is to growth.

From Snow to Sand...

Beach Time Memories
Commissioned Family Portrait
Mixed Media wrap around painting
12"x16"x1.5"
© Laura DeDonato

One of the best parts of my work is bringing memories to life, and sometime back to life. The gentleman who commissioned this portrait of his kids for his wife as a Christmas gift came to me with a cute picture. The only problem was that the photograph was a printed scan of the original, which was washed out, scratched and had a fold in it (see photograph below). I was able to take the photo and recapture the memory as he described it in a painting. I brightened the colors and added more contrast and a light source. I also added some textured medium to the sand which gives it a great 3D effect in person. The painting continues around the edges, so it doesn't need a frame, and it draws you in from all sides. The kids are now 18 and 20, so I hope the whole family had a Merry Christmas and enjoys the painting!



Happy Holidays and wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Winter Dreams - Update

Lanam Club, North Andover, MA
Holiday Card Illustration

Painting size: 11" x 14"
Print size: 5"x7" Folded Card
Mixed Media
© Laura DeDonato

I was excited to receive a Lanam Club holiday card in the mail! I had a great time painting a classic snowy scene without needing any snow gear to go outside here in Boston!

Website Updates and Another Sneak Peak!

I recently updated my website and will be adding new sections over the next few months, so check it out to make sure you don't miss anything! LNDstudio.com


I am in love with a portrait I am working on, which will be a Christmas present for my client's wife. I couldn't resist sharing an in progress detail of it! It will be done next week, but of course, I won't be able to share the entire painting until after Christmas!

"Playing in the Sand" - detail
12" x 16" Commissioned Portrait
Acrylic Mixed Media (sand texture!)
© Laura DeDonato

Still trying to come up with the perfect present???
Laura DeDonato Illustration GIFT CERTIFICATES are available, give the gift of custom art! Contact me for more information at LNDstudio@comcast.net

Winter Dreams - Sneak Peak

Holiday Card Illustration - detail
5"x7" Folded Card
Mixed Media
© Laura DeDonato

The best of both worlds... I have thoroughly enjoyed the recent, but unusual 60 degree days, sipping gingerbread coffee and painting this winter wonderland scene for a client's holiday card mailing. I have to wait until it's sent out to share the entire image, but I couldn't wait to share a detail of it... Enjoy!

It's a Wonderful Life!

"It's a Wonderful Life"
Ursuline Academy's Brescia Ball
Brochure Cover, 8.5" x 11"
Mixed Media
© Laura DeDonato

I had the pleasure of working on the print material for this year's Brescia Ball. I was excited to be able to incorporate a painting into the design and enjoyed the early start of the holiday season in my studio! Above is the brochure cover, the same theme follows through in the invitation, rsvp, directions and envelopes.

It's a Wonderful Life!

Holiday illustrations based on
"It's a Wonderful Life" theme, Mixed Media.

Holiday season is in full swing
with holiday cards and event invitation illustrations!

Two versions of an illustration commissioned for an upcoming event's invitation and print materials (they're using the top version, but I always love to look at saturated versions). The event logo will go in the center red ornament. Once the invitation packet is mailed, I will post the complete designs.

When I was asked to sketch ideas for an "It's a Wonderful Life" themed event, I thought back to the many times I've watched that movie with my family...I mean it's on every Christmas! I thought about my favorite scene when George Bailey returns home, the ringing of the bells on the tree to give Clarence his wings, and the uplifting moment when his community pitches in to help him and his family. This moment was my inspiration for this piece.

These illustrations can be modified to accommodate any logo. Please contact me to use these illustrations or to commission your own!

Educational Mural

"Rising", 2011

Keith Center
175 Warren Avenue, Brockton, MA 02301

Adding some color to brighten up downtown! This is the second mural at the Keith Center and it is in view of the 2010 Shoe Industry Mural on Legion Parkway. The Brockton Mural Crew is taking over the area!

This year's Summer of Work and Learning program mural has been well received by the community and visitors using this entrance to the Keith Center. With the support of the program, the 21st Century, and BPS we were able to get the dumpsters to the right of the mural moved. It can now be viewed from Warren Ave, Legion Parkway, and Frederick Douglass Ave!

We'll be starting the search for next year's wall soon, so send us your ideas!