Tommy B. McDonell

Innovative Mixed Media Art Created With Unbridled Passion

Tommy B. McDonell, leapforartnyc.com, is a multi-talented abstract artist. Her art is characterized by a masterful and emotive fusion of different mediums. Her artwork is in many collections and she is the recipient of numerous awards. 

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Heart Cove, alcohol inks, 7″ x 5″

With unbridled creative passion Tommy exudes, “As a mixed media artist based in North Carolina, my work is a vibrant exploration of personal experience and emotion, utilizing a diverse array of materials including collage, acrylics, pastels, encaustic wax, sand, and crushed glass.”

She adds, “Each piece is a unique narrative, often inspired by the beauty of nature—florals and oceanic themes frequently emerge in my work, reflecting the serenity and complexity of the world around us.” 

Yacht Racing, mixed media, 8.5″ x 11″

Tommy has had many exhibitions including those as a member of the Artist League of the Sandhills and Arts Council of Moore County.

She has won several awards in both mixed media art and in photography. She received an Award of Excellence in the Manhattan Arts International’s “The Spirit of Resilience” competition. She won a Second Place in Photography at the Arts Council of Moore County. One of her paintings received a Second Place Award at the Artist League of the Sandhills. 

NYC Jazz, mixed media, 11″ x 8.5″

One of Tommy’s paintings was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” 2025 Invitational Exhibition. 

Her art was also selected for “The Healing Power of Color” 2025 Invitational Exhibition and “The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature” 2024 Invitational Exhibition curated by The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS (HPAA), an initiative of Manhattan Arts International.

Winter Harbor, mixed media, 7″ x 5″

Tommy’s intensely expressive art was curated into the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” juried exhibition in 2022. She personifies the creative spirit of resilience through her life and her art.  When she submitted her entries to “HerStory” she wrote, “Painting transcends my Multiple Sclerosis… I want to share my love and my paintings with others.”

Cosmic Women, mixed media, 11″ x 14″.

Tommy is featured in the article “Artists Confront Life’s Challenges With The Help of The Healing Power of Art” on the HPAA website for her positive outlook about living as an artist with Multiple Sclerosis.  Furthermore, she gives a portion of her sales to non-profit organizations each month.

Sleepy Bird, alcohol ink,  5″ x 7″

Dr. Tommy McDonell was born in Michigan. She received a BA from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO, and an MPS in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University/Tisch School for the Arts, and her doctorate in TESOL from New York University/Steinhardt.

She taught as an adjunct and taught preservice teachers to incorporate technology into their classroom. She alsoe worked for the NYC Public Libraries teaching seniors and children to use computers.

Visit Tommy B. McDonell’s website leapforartnyc.com

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