April Donovan
A Journey from Advertising to Fine Art
Known for her vibrant and emotive works, April Donovan has established herself as a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest art scene. Her journey into art has been deeply influenced by the breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding her home in Hood River, Oregon, nestled between the Columbia River and the lush forests of the Cascade Range.
April’s creative foundation began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, where she concentrated in graphic design, advertising, and illustration. She then spent a decade working in advertising in Philadelphia and New York, honing her skills in visual storytelling and design. In 2006, seeking a change in lifestyle, she set her sights on mountain towns and found an opportunity with Summit Projects in Hood River, which led her to the Columbia River Gorge, where she rediscovered her passion for fine art.
April started her own advertising shop, Blue Collar Agency, with two partners and was a creative lead in her business until 2018, when she crashed her motorcycle in Austria and suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury (TBI). April lost many capabilities and her business due to her accident. Her artwork became more gestural and large format with spray paint and unique pieces with three dimensions—with her use of affixed flattened ferns and leaves as an underlayer.
Her work seamlessly blends abstract elements with hints of realism, using bold colors, intricate textures, and dynamic compositions to create visually striking pieces with deep emotional resonance. Inspired by themes of nature, identity, and transformation, April’s art reflects both her connection to the environment and her personal journey of self-discovery.
April’s artwork has been showcased in galleries in Oregon and Washington and she currently has a number of plein air works for sale at Carson Art Garage. Her sketchbook, “A Path Through The Trees”, went on an international tour with the Brooklyn Art Library in 2012 to 13 cities in 4 countries (USA, Canada, UK and Australia). April’s work and an interview were published in a book, “The Sketchbook Project World Tour”. Beyond gallery settings, she has also contributed to private and public art projects, murals, and community installations, bringing her vibrant vision to wider audiences.
A passionate advocate for environmental preservation and social justice, April uses her creative voice to support causes close to her heart, often collaborating with local non-profits and art initiatives. Currently, she works from her home studio in Hood River, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes that surround her. April hikes and paints with her Plein Air Hiking Club. When not painting or rapping with her three music projects, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking and exploring the alpine meadows of the Pacific Northwest—continually fueling the artistic vision that defines her work.
April continues to practice graphic design and illustration, creating promotional art for her music projects:
https://www.behance.net/aprildonovan
MC AP Real Music Experience:
- Vitamin D—Hip hop tribute band since 2017; Next gig F.L.O.W.Fest October 2025
- Funky Cranium—All women united by brain injury; Cover band with original rhymes; May 9 at River City Saloon Mother Funkin
- Slumber Party—Musical anthology; Writer, Rapper, Choreographer, Stage Direction; August 22 at Bingen Theatre
