Meet Donovan Howard Sr. of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Howard Sr..

Hi Donovan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a self-taught artist who faced significant financial struggles early on, especially while raising young children in my early 20s. Pursuing a career in art didn’t seem realistic at the time. Despite juggling multiple jobs, I was determined to improve my craft. At 25, I was introduced to the idea of hosting a Paint & Sip. I was very insecure and nervous so I avoided it. Yet five years later, I took a leap of faith and held a small event with just a few friends in my home. It was successful. Shortly after, COVID hit, pushing me to launch my business, Artistic Peace, which offered art classes for homeschooled kids, custom artwork, and paint parties across multiple cities. The business grew quickly, allowing me to work full-time by year’s end.

The next year, I made the tough choice to pause my art career to pursue my passion for cooking. After two years as a chef, I realized I missed art deeply. Fortunately, I was provided the opportunity to host paint and sip events at Grove City Brewing Company, where I work. Over the past two years, the events have grown from a single gathering every other month to two sold-out events each month. While balancing other jobs, I’ve been rebuilding my art business with exciting plans to expand throughout the city soon.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would not say it has been smooth. It’s been a grind, outside of just the obstacles of raising children. Art is a very competitive field, and since I didn’t go to school, I’ve had to build my skill in my spare time. While others may have the freedom to spend their entire day dedicated to the craft, my time has been very concentrated often times pushed off to late at night.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Art wise I’m best known for doing realism portraits, I love working with charcoal, soft pastels on a base of acrylic paint. I am most proud of being self taught and embracing the journey of growing as an artist.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a very shy and timid child. Art is where I found my voice and passion. I also loved anything creative related music, cooking, fashion design etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Linktr.ee/artisticpeace