Shane McDonald paints en plein air at Reid State Park, Maine, July, 2022
Shane McDonald paints "en plein air" at Reid State Park, Maine, July, 2022
Photo by Shannon Meadows.

The Story of Shane McDonald Studios

a working art studio

Shane McDonald Studios was created in 1998 to provide a working space for Shane McDonald to work on his fine art, portraiture, murals and art instruction business. The studio is located in the Artisan Resource Center of fine and functional arts in Marietta, GA. Shane has teamed-up with ceramic sculptor and painter, Matthew Craven, to keep a traditional working artists studio.

Studio K1 is accessible from both the main south entrance and the courtyard (north) entrance.
Studio K2 is a teaching and exhibition space. It is accessible from the interior halls of the building only.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The South Entrance of the Artisan Resource Center has wheelchair accessibility, and studio K1 and K2 are just about 100 feet from the entrance door. There is a wheelchair accessible bathroom near both studios.

What You'll Find

The studio is primarily a working space, but there are plenty of artworks on display as well as works in progress.

Hours

You're welcome to visit anytime the studio is occupied, and hours are posted on Google and Yelp. The nature of our business sometimes requires that we work outside the studio, so it is best to make an appointment if you'd like to avoid a disappointment.

Biographical Sketch of Shane McDonald

Shane McDonald has created fine art oil and pastel portraits for patrons throughout the Southeast since obtaining his BA degree in Art from Kennesaw State University in 1992. His training in classical drawing and painting paired with his willingness to embrace the current trends in contemporary art has enabled him to maintain respect as a fine artist and instructor in the Atlanta area. Having served the art community as a mentor for youngsters by teaching and demonstrating at schools, as a facilitator of art critiques and open studio figure drawing groups, and as a leader for arts organizations, Shane lives his life around art. Currently Shane's fine art landscapes are represented by Robert Kent Gallery in Marietta, GA. Figurative works and still-life paintings can also be seen in his commercial studio and gallery in at the Artisan Resource Center in Marietta, GA. Proficiency in diverse subject matter and media has also enabled Shane to create masterful murals in public institutions and private residences, but his name is best known for his exquisite portraits in oil and pastel.

Shane has won numerous awards for his works at juried competitions. His paintings are in the permanent collections at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Kennesaw State University, the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at East Carolina University, and the Zuckerman Museum of Art.

Exhibitions of Shane McDonald's fine artwork

"Featured Artist," Robert Kent Gallery, 85 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060
• "Solar Power," July 2023
• ArtWalk, May 2023
• ArtWalk, November 2022
• ArtWalk, February 2022
• "Our Big Little Town," December 2021
• ArtWalk, July 2020 • ArtWalk, June 2020

Marietta Artist Collective, Open Studios Event at the Artisan Resource Center, 585 Cobb Pkwy S, Marietta, GA 30060
• "Winter Holidays Sale," Nov. 17-19, 2023
• "Earth Day Sale," April 22, 2023
• "Winter Holidays Sale," Nov. 19-20, 2022

14th Street Antiques and Modern Home, 530 14th Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• February 2020-2022

Olmstead Arts "Georgia Colors" Paint Out and Exhibition
• Oct. 22 - 25, 2020 in Eatonton / Lake Oconee area of Georgia

"Of this World, and Out," Solo Exhibition of 49 paintings, Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, Rockmart, GA
• January 4 - February 29, 2020

Robert Kent Gallery, 85 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060
• February 2018 - present

"Go Figure," Exhibition, Markay Gallery, 26 Winters Street, Marietta, GA 30060
• January - February 2018

Blue Ridge Plein Air Paint Out, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, 420 West Main Street Blue Ridge GA 30513
• Second place winner, September 2017

2 Rules Fine Art, 85 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060
• February 2016 - June 2016

Solo Rotating Exhibition, InPrime, Page Law, Circle 23, 1640 Powers Ferry Road, Building 23, Suite 100, Marietta, GA
• January 2016 - December 2019

Solo Exhibition, Atlanta Hair Studio, Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA
• June 2015

Toy Party and Silent Auction, For the Kid in All of Us, America's Mart, Atlanta, GA
• December 7, 2014

Community Art Sale, KSU Center, Kennesaw State University
• November 2014

Anniversary Exhibition, Creative Interiors and Craftworks, Woodstock, GA
• October 2014

Marietta Square Art Walk, City of Marietta, GA
• September 2014 (Received "People's Choice" award), October 2014, April 2015, May, 2015

Kennesaw State University Faculty Highlight Exhibition, Bailey Performance Center
• August 18 - December 15, 2014: Interactive painting and installation of Real Man

Plein Air Paint Out and Exhibition, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA
• May 2014

Art Mob Studio Tour
• November 2013

"Imaginary Million" Wonder Root and Elevate Arts Organizations Art Auction,
200 Peachtree, Atlanta, GA
• October 2012

Landscape Exhibition, dk Gallery, 25 West Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, (770) 427-5377
• September 2012: exhibited 3 landscape paintings with several other artists

Invitational Art Stroll, The B Complex, 1272 Murphy Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• May 2011: exhibited large paintings in this large space with 3 other artists

Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art's "Art and Design Show House" Exhibition
May 2011 & June 2012, exhibited paintings with other artists

Invitational Exhibition, The North Georgia Artists’ Association, Cherokee Arts Centerr,
94 North St, Canton, GA 30114
• January-February 2011

Invitational Georgia Lawyers for the Arts Silent Auction, King Plow Arts Center,
887 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• 2011, 2012, 2013

Invitational Alliance Francaise Bastille Day Silent Auction, 171 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013

Great Chattahoochee Paintout Exhibition
• August 2009: Exhibition of several paintings including selected works by Shane McDonald and his students

Artful Garden Tour of the High Museum
• May 2009: Plein air event inviting the public to watch plein air painters paint on notable properties in Atlanta.

Invitational Exhibition with Atlanta Fine Arts League, Quinlan Arts Center, 514 Green Street, N.E., Gainesville, GA 30501
• April 2009, Exhibition of several small landscape paintings

Small Works Exhibition and Sale, Limelight Gallery, 3330 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30305
• November 15 - December 15, 2008: Exhibition of several small landscape paintings

Invitational Exhibition, “Painting Processes,” Harris Art Center, Calhoun, GA
• April 21 – June 13, 2008: Exhibition of several paintings including selected works by Shane McDonald and his students

Georgia Landmark Art Project
• 2008-2009, Online plein air exhibition showcasing paintings of landmarks in Cobb County, GA.

“Wild Ride and Southwest Invitational Show,” Harris Art Center, Calhoun, GA
• April 27 – July 15, 2007: Exhibition of 4 paintings in a seven-person exhibition of works inspired by the American West

Plein Air Paint Out and Exhibition, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA
• May, 2006

Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA
• April 7 – May 29, 2005: Exhibition of 12 paintings in a two-person exhibition of works inspired by
the American West

Kennesaw State University Faculty and Staff Exhibition, Sturgis Gallery and Fine Arts Gallery, Kennesaw State University
• 2005 - 2015

“Metro Montage,” Juried Exhibition, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
• 2023, 2022, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2004, 2002 Juried Exhibition of National and Atlanta area artists

Solo Exhibition, The Art Station (Cobb County Parks and Recreation)
• December, 2004: over 25 paintings

Art Lovers Exhibition, Cedartown, GA
• Fall, 2004: Best of Show and First Place for “Brooke as Eve” oil on 28”H X 22”W canvas

Anniversary Exhibition, Raiford Gallery, Roswell, GA
• September 11-12, 2004: Outdoor tent show of more than 20 works for sale

Kennesaw State University Alumni Exhibition, Sturgis Gallery, Kennesaw State University
• Summer 2023, Fall 2004, Summer 1998 and 2000

South Cobb Arts Alliance National Juried Exhibition
• Spring 2004

Artisan Resource Center
• Open House Exhibitions: Nov. 2001, May 2002, Nov. 2002, May 2003, Nov. 2003, May 2004, Nov. 2004, and May 2005, Nov. 2006, Nov. 20007, Nov. 2008, Nov. 2009, Nov. 2009, Nov. 2010, Nov. 2011, Nov. 2012, Nov. 2013, Nov. 2014, Nov. 2015, Nov. 2016, Nov. 2017, Nov. 2018, Nov. 2019

Shane McDonald Studios (Kennesaw) Open House Exhibitions
• 5 Open House Exhibitions at Studio in Kennesaw

Cobb County Chamber of Commerce
• March - May 2015: Solo Exhibition
• November - December 2001: Solo Exhibition

Fine Arts Society of Kennesaw (FASK) (Now called North Cobb Arts Alliance, NCAL)
• 1994-2002: over 8 exhibitions including at least 10 awards over the years (3 first places)

Kennesaw State University Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition
• 1st Place: 1991
• Certificate of Excellence: Share Magazine: 1991
• Outstanding Art Student Award: 1990
• Salova King Art Scholarship: 1990

Kennesaw State University Senior Exhibition
• Fall 1991: One of three student artists to exhibit fine art and graphic art pieces reflecting four years of work produced while in college

Portrait Society of Atlanta (PSA)
• 2 portraits, September Exhibition, 2004
• 2 portraits, April Exhibition, 2004
• 2 portraits, May Exhibition, 2000
• 1 portrait, October Exhibition, 1997
• 1 portrait, September Exhibition, 1996

Shane McDonald, fine art painter of realistic images

B.A. Art, Kennesaw State University

Foundational Mentors and Inspirational Teachers:
  • Robert Sherer (Kennesaw State University) 2004-2011
  • Charles Scogins (commercial artist/illustrator) 1995-1998
  • Roberta Griffin (Kennesaw State University) 1990-1992
  • Ayokunle Odeleye (Kennesaw State University) 1990-1992
  • Barbara Swindell (Kennesaw State University) 1988-1992
  • Randy Miley & Randy Jolley (High School, Vicksburg, MS) 1983-1985
  • Jerry Martin (Elementary & Middle Schools, Marseilles, IL) 1979-1983
Community Art Classes and Workshops
  • Chris Di Domizio (class, Kennesaw, GA)
  • Margaret Dyer (class and workshops, Atlanta, GA)
  • Marc Chatov (workshops, Atlanta, GA)
  • Margaret Baumgaertner (workshop, Kennesaw, GA)
  • Thomas Nash (class, Marietta, GA)
  • Ben Smith (class, Atlanta, GA)

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