Explore how to paint like autistic artist Donna Williams with our easy, step-by-step video and PDF guide. Discover her unique art style now.
How to Paint like Donna Williams
Autism Awareness Month is a great time to teach students how we can all learn from neurodivergent artists. Art is a powerful medium for human connection, and it can give autistic artists a means to feel heard and understood.
Donna Williams (1963–2017) was an Australian writer, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter and sculptor. Despite having a very difficult childhood, she also managed to also become a teacher and international public speaker too!
This project was inspired by her painting on the left, and shows students how to get that soft and smudgy look with some ordinary art supplies.
The Influence of Donna Williams in Art
Many of Donna‘s works of art are in public and private collections worldwide, inspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Here’s how one person reviewed her art: “Donna has developed the ability to convey an inner mythology, inner culture, through many different “voices” and forms of media. Certain of her paintings hit me at a gut level; some are mysterious and hide their message, but they have this in common: they are expressions of an ethereal beauty — as if they were messages from fairies”. – Jillian Parker
Join “The Daily Draw” below to get this step-by-step tutorial
More examples included in this tutorial
Donna Williams Painting Lesson Materials List
Watercolor Paper
Real watercolor paper always makes the watercolor paintings much more vibrant *affiliate link
Paint Brush
A good paint brush can make a big difference and this style with a sturdy rounded tip is my favorite. *affiliate link
Pencils
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, #2 HB Soft. The soft lead is an important part as it will smear the best to create the smudgy look.
How to Paint Like Donna Williams Step-by-Step Instructions
- Draw a tilted U shape for the head.
- Add simple features inside.
- Add an ear and hair line.
- Draw the neck and simple shirt.
- Add arms that are going into pockets.
- Finish the hair. (Do not trace with a marker, only use a soft pencil.)
- Option for short hair.
- Option for short hair.
- Paint with watercolors and let dry. Trace lines with soft #2 pencil and rub.
Rub often with your fingers to smear.
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