I have long joked that if there ever was a poster child for One Stroke painting, I would be it. Apart from the finger painting I did as a young girl, I had never picked up a paintbrush in my life. While I’ve considered myself to be creative, I would never have put myself in the “artistic” category—that is, until I saw Donna Dewberry 3 ½ years ago sharing the One Stroke technique on a PBS special. I was persuaded that with practice I could paint just as beautifully as she. That was the beginning of my love for One Stroke painting.

With the encouragement of my family, I attended and successfully completed the One Stroke Instructor Certification program in January 2004. Since then, I’ve indulged my entrepreneurial heart by starting my own company, A Splash of Color, and in June 2004 I began teaching at Michael’s. What I find most satisfying about teaching is the pleasure students experience when they realize that One Stroke painting is something they can do.
If I can paint One Stroke, I’m convinced anyone can! I don’t have an artistic background—simply a deep love for beauty and a desire to learn to paint. What’s the secret to One Stroke painting? Practice, practice, practice!
My Motto: If it doesn’t move—paint it! If it moves, catch it, pin it down—then paint it!

In the early 1970’s, the name Donna Dewberry did not draw much attention in the American Craft Industry. More a decorator of her home than a well-known artist, Donna began her career by coordinating the walls and furniture of her home with artistic objects she already owned. A self-taught artist, she picked up different painting tips where she could and “learned by observations”. Thirty years later, she is recognized throughout America, Europe and Asia as the innovative creator of the One Stroke™ painting technique.

Donna’s career started with an early interest in painting tin ware. She now has over 200 designs for painting mailboxes and other surfaces. In addition to her mailbox designs, she has created a full line of gift ware. Many of these items are regular features in such high-end American catalogs as Neiman-Marcus, Horchow and Spiegel.

It wasn’t long before Donna’s artwork was recognized by Plaid Enterprises, the leading American Craft Company. They approached her with the idea of publishing her designs and painting techniques for other crafters and hobbyists. Shortly thereafter, Donna worked with Plaid to develop a CD-ROM and a series of instructional videotapes. To date, Donna has more than 70 books and 30 instructional videos to her credit.

Over the years the popularity of the One Stroke™ technique and of Donna herself have continued to soar. She is in high demand as an interior designer, teacher and craft manufacturer and makes regular appearances on television networks in America, England, Germany and Canada. Donna is also a columnist in the Tole World, Wood Strokes, Painting Magazine, Quick & Easy Painting Magazine, Paint Works and Decorative Artists Workbook.