My name is Don Doheny and I’m a distribution operations manager at the Eastern Shore Processing and Distribution Center in Easton, MD.
I started my career with USPS in 1996. I worked as a supervisor in Post Offices throughout Pennsylvania, Maine and Delaware while balancing a yearning to be an artist.
I began by taking art classes at a community college. It took me some time but eventually I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine art.
When I’m not commuting and working, I squeeze in time for my latest oil painting. It relaxes me and I go into a whole different world in my attic studio at home in Bridgeville, DE.
I have been particularly interested in World War II since I was 5 years old. I pay tribute through my paintings to the men and women who served. My “Sounds of Silence” painting depicts “sweating out the mission” — a term for ground crews waiting to see how many aircraft would make it back.
Another one of my works is a master study of an original work by artist Jack Leynnwood from the 1960s. I have always loved doing master studies to learn how a work was done and to learn from the artist who did it.
I also specialize in portraitures. I’m a fan of USPS stamp artist Michael J. Deas. I enjoyed watching a recent story about him on “CBS Sunday Morning.” I’m inspired by his work, particularly the recent Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp.
The ideas for my paintings often start as a doodle. I then research and find models and reference photos to work off to create the finer details in paint. I typically work on a large stretched canvas that measures over 3 feet by 5 feet, but if it’s a flat surface, I’ll paint it.
My wife, children and granddaughter are all supportive of my work. I often paint with my cat on my lap and my dog at my side. They serve as an inspiration for the pet portraits I also paint.
I display my latest works on my two Instagram accounts: djdohenyfineart and yourpetportriats.
“Off the Clock,” a column on Postal Service employees and their after-hours pursuits, appears regularly in Link.
