Don Maschinski Jr. was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by some of the country’s most prestigious museums and architecture which made a permanent impression on his inherent creative talent. His first draw to the arts was in music, having played drums throughout high school and college while actively participating in and teaching with Drum Corps International.
Don’s interest in the fine arts was cultivated during his college years when he studied architecture and advertising at the University of Utah and Northern Illinois University. He received his formal education in fine art and painting when he attended the American Academy of Art.
After his studies, he worked as a sign painter where he developed his craft and owned his own sign business for several years in Chicago. In 1994 he moved to the Dallas area and worked as a graphic designer and art director at various companies such as JCPenney.
Having a wife who worked in the travel business, Don has traveled to many places such as Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy where he draws inspiration from architectural textures and colors for his paintings. He uses the practice of pouring, scraping, layering and manipulating paint on wood boards as well as constructing his own frames to create works that are rich in depth and texture. He invites contemplation to his art and leaves the subject up to the spectator.
His artwork has been featured in galleries in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most recently his work is on display at Skypony Gallery at The Shops at Willowbend in Plano, Texas where Don currently resides.