Artist

E Don’s journey in the arts began in 1973 when he enrolled at George Brown College of Applied Arts in Toronto, Canada. Fueled by an enduring passion for creativity, he pursued formal art education, laying the foundation for his artistic career. After completing his studies, Don took a temporary detour to assist in managing two family orthodontic practices in the United States, as both his mother and sister are orthodontists. Despite this shift, his love for drawing and painting never wavered, and he devoted his spare time to refining his artistic skills.

During this period, Don studied as a studio apprentice under the celebrated California Master Portrait and Figurative Painter Rafael Maniago. This mentorship profoundly influenced his approach, allowing him to further hone his craft. Eager to expand his knowledge, Don enrolled in courses at several prestigious institutions, including the College of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, the Art League of New York, the Montclair Art Museum School of Art in New Jersey, and the Woodstock School of Art in New York.

Driven by his childhood dream of becoming a full-time artist, Don immersed himself in advanced studies at the esteemed National Academy School of Fine Arts and Design Museum in New York City. Under the mentorship of Samuel Adoquei—renowned as the first and only African to teach in all of New York City’s premier art institutions—Don deepened his artistic understanding. The National Academy, revered in the art world, has a storied legacy of producing distinguished artists and architects, including luminaries like Andrew Wyeth, one of America’s most celebrated painters, and Frank Lloyd Wright, hailed as the greatest American architect of all time by the American Institute of Architects.

Today, Don lives his childhood dream as a full-time artist, splitting his time between his studios in Los Angeles and New York. His vibrant, captivating works grace private collections and corporate offices across the United States and Canada, drawing art enthusiasts with their engaging compositions and emotional depth. His gallery residences proudly showcase a body of work that reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist.

Beyond his personal artistic endeavors, Don is an active member of the global art community. He contributes to esteemed organizations such as The Portrait Society of Canada, The Portrait Society of America, and The National Portrait Gallery of the United Kingdom. As an artist mentor and teacher, he is passionate about fostering the growth and development of aspiring portrait artists, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.

Don and his wife, Rebecca Robles—an art critic and abstract artist—find inspiration in the tranquil countryside of the Ponderosa Leisure Farm community in Tagaytay, Philippines. Surrounded by rolling hills and a breathtaking view of Taal Lake, they have created a serene art studio where they can immerse themselves in their craft. The beauty of their surroundings, from the soft whispers of the wind to the ever-changing colors of the landscape, fuels their creativity, ensuring their artistic passions continue to thrive.