Color Freedom Pet Portrait with Donna Van Hooser

Every dog must have his or her day!

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Mosaic Arts Online presents “Color Freedom Pet Portrait with Donna Van Hooser.” In this online course Donna reveals all of her tips and techniques in creating her well known pet portraits using a variety of colored stained glass.

Donna takes pet portrait mosaic to a whole new level in this course. Breaking away from the standard pet colors she puts her unique spin on this technique using every color under the glass rainbow.

Donna is an incredible instructor and with her relaxed and thorough teaching style you will be front and center as she takes you step by step through her process. Starting with how to pick the right image for your pet, to mapping and tracing it to your substrate. Next she will share how to pick the glass based on the value scale. Once you are ready with your glass and choice of nippers (and there are a few she shares) you will watch and learn in real time as she creates “Higgins” the dog portrait in color freedom!

There is over 4 ½ hours of content in this course as you get an “over the shoulder” view while she picks, cuts, and nips many pieces of stained glass. Donna also shares her unique approach to creating a beautiful background using a matte material for more interest and contrast. At the end of this course you will see the finished portrait.

This course will give you the skills and confidence to create your very own Color Freedom Pet Portrait.

Included is a PDF for download of the suggested tools, materials, and resources to get started!



"Awesome course and instructor! So much information and very clearly explained." Nancy D.

"Thank you Donna. Love your course. My first eye. I am loving this format , as I can replay it and realize how much I have missed first time. You are very clear in your teaching and presentation and your passion for the pets and color and texture is beautiful." Aja

"One of the best courses I have taken - Donna is very instructive and fun. Highly recommend." Alina W.

Your Instructor


Donna Van Hooser
Donna Van Hooser

I began making mosaics while working as an artist for Hallmark Cards. With my background in illustration, I try to incorporate storytelling in my work using classical and whimsical elements. I learn and grow through experimentation and often find inspiration from the materials themselves.

While I have been making mosaics since about 1991, it wasn’t until I retired from Hallmark in 2015 that I have been able to work as a full time mosaic artist and instructor.

I love working in mosaic, especially dealing with the challenges and limitations of the materials. The glass must be carefully chosen from a limited palette, since colors cannot be mixed, and each piece must serve as an individual brush stroke working in harmony with the surrounding pieces.


Course Curriculum


  First Section
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!