Thanks for taking the time to look at my paintings.  Here is a little information about myself, the techniques I use, and how my style developed. 

I had the good fortune to live all over the world.  During the 4 years I lived in Japan I gained a deep appreciation for the clean, simple style inherent in much Japanese art.

Later in my life I had the opportunity to travel to  France, where I visited the Jeu de Pomme, and later the Orsay galleries, which display the incredible works of the impressionist painters.  I love the way they used light and blurred images to give us a feeling, as well as a vision.  They have had great influence on my work.

My work combines my interest in art,  photography,  computers and travel.  To create my paintings I start with  a digital photograph or a freeze frame of a video.   The scene is downloaded to my computer and then I draw  each line and paint each brushstroke by hand, using a stylus, graphics tablet, and customized software. I mix each color to give the exact effect I am looking for.  As I build up the light and shadows in my paintings they  come to life, until it feels like I am back at that wonderful place again. I  have many warm memories associated with each picture I paint.

Many of my early works are taken from scenes in Truckee , California, where my wife and I  live about half the year.  Some of my favorite paintings were created from some great video I shot early one February morning  after a big snowstorm.  The sun was just coming up.  I tried to capture the peaceful morning light on fresh snowfall and the sun sparkling on the crystals. 

This summer we spent some time in France.  In Paris we again visited the Louvre and the Orsay museums. It was  inspiring to  look at these  amazing collections of art, and  when we returned home I started  working on  my own pictures of France .   I have produced some paintings of scenes many will know—the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, a quaint café.  And, some of the scenes are of the beautiful French countryside and charming small towns we visited.

I have recently started painting portraits using the same technique.  I start with a photograph, download it to my computer, and then draw and paint the subject.  I do portraits, as well as other scenes, on a commission basis. 

My work can be viewed on my website:  http://www.myrah.net

           email to Don Myrah Sr

Creating these paintings has been a spiritual experience for me.  Each time I sit down to draw and paint I start with a blank page and as my subject emerges I relive the experience of my visit.  The entire process brings me much pleasure and I try very hard to share each wonderful moment with you as you look at the painting. I hope you enjoy my pictures as much as I've enjoyed painting them.