Donna Summer’s Art Shines Beyond the Disco Era

Widely celebrated for her musical legacy, Donna Summer also nurtured a lesser-known yet deeply personal artistic side: painting. Throughout her life, she created a body of work rich in emotion, color, and symbolism, revealing an aesthetic sensitivity as powerful as her voice.

Donna Summer during Art Expo at Javits Center in New York - 1989

Donna Summer’s commitment to visual art wasn’t a late-life pursuit—it was a passion that followed her from youth. As reported by ARTnews, even in the early 1970s, before her rise to stardom, Summer was known for carrying her painting supplies everywhere, seeking a creative refuge from the pressures of the music industry. She considered herself a “spiritualist” in art, using painting as a divine connection and a powerful form of self-expression.

Her works, created with mixed media such as acrylic and spray paint on canvas, explore themes of identity, spirituality, and transformation. Notably, several pieces capture the vibrant energy of the ’70s and ’80s, with electric tones and expressionist compositions that echo the spirit of pop and disco music.

Between Neo-Expressionism and Spiritual Depth

Donna Summer’s paintings were never confined to a single medium or form of expression. Often vibrant and filled with figurative elements, her works reveal an aesthetic sensitivity as powerful as her voice. The respected outlet ARTnews describes her style as influenced by Neo-Expressionism and Modern Primitivism—movements that echo the boldness and emotional intensity of the artist herself.

Faces of Rio, signed "Summer" (right side). Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 in. (122 x 122 cm). Exhibited at Circle Gallery, Los Angeles, California, May 1990.

Riding Through a Storm, signed "summer" (lower left). Acrylic and fabric on canvas laid down on board, 67 x 35¾ x 3⅛ in. (170.1 x 90.8 x 7.9 cm).

While her songs often celebrated ecstasy and joy, her paintings were at times more introspective and complex, reflecting a deeper sense of “searching.”

Her visual style is closely associated with Neo-Expressionism—a movement that emerged in the 1970s and ’80s, marked by a return to figuration, bold use of color, and intense emotional expression—and Modern Primitivism, a fascination with non-Western or “primitive” art that inspired artists like Picasso for its raw simplicity and strength.

Tokyo Love Song, signed "Summer 88" (lower right). Acrylic and collage on canvas, 72 x 24 x 3⅛ in. (182.9 x 60.9 x 7.9 cm). Executed in 1988.

Portrait of a Lady with Elaborate Hat, signed "Summer" (right side along figure’s hair). Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in. (122 x 91.4 cm).

Her Lithographic Work 

Donna Summer’s first lithograph exhibition took place in 1989 at the New York Art Expo. Collaborating with world-renowned artisan Jean Pierre Remond, she produced fine art lithographs at the American Atelier in Manhattan. These signed and numbered pieces were showcased in solo exhibitions across Atlantic City, San Diego, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, and Bal Harbor, Florida between 1990 and 1992.

Madame D, 1989. Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil. Edition 98/300. Size: 34 x 26 in. (86.36 x 66.04 cm).

My Favorite Doll, circa 1980. Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 300. Size: 33 x 25 in. (83.82 x 63.5 cm).

A lithograph is a type of print made using flat stones or metal plates. The artist draws directly onto the printing surface with specialized tools such as lithographic crayons or grease-based pencils. Once the image is complete, it is chemically treated and transferred onto paper in multiple editions. Unlike other printing methods, a true lithograph will not display dot patterns when viewed under a magnifying glass, indicating its handcrafted origin.

Passion (Face to Face), circa 1980. Lithograph, numbered in pencil. Edition of 300. Size: 33 x 25 in. (83.82 x 63.5 cm).

Color, Emotion, and Expressionism Across Multiple Mediums

Her paintings consistently embraced diverse media, avoiding any singular constraint. While her most recognized works at auctions and exhibitions are acrylics and mixed media on canvas, the artist also explored watercolor. This more delicate medium allowed for a freer, more spontaneous form of expression—perfect for capturing intimate moments, sketches, and color studies that complemented her larger-scale creations. Through these diverse techniques, Donna Summer delved into themes of identity, spirituality, and transformation.

Still Life with Flower and Salt & Pepper Shakers Watercolor on paper Works on Paper 24.8 × 17.8 cm (9¾ × 7 in.)

Blonde Woman with Red Scarf Watercolor on paper Works on Paper 24.1 × 17.8 cm (9½ × 7 in.)

An Unexpected Turn in the Career of a Legend

April 14, 1989, marked a fascinating chapter in Donna Summer’s life: her debut as a visual artist at the Art Expo held at New York’s Javits Center. This public unveiling revealed a creative passion she had long nurtured in private. Although her first major traveling exhibition with Circle Galleries would follow a year later in 1990, the 1989 Art Expo—one of the world’s oldest and largest annual commercial art fairs—served as a pivotal moment in establishing her presence in the visual arts scene.

American singer-songwriter Donna Summer posing in front of her artworks

The fair’s primary goal is to foster business among galleries, art dealers, publishers, and collectors. It attracts thousands of trade attendees—including art merchants, gallerists, and designers—as well as the general public. In 1989, just as today, the fair was renowned as a massive showcase featuring a wide spectrum of works, from emerging talents to iconic names in the art world.

Donna Summer and an Unexpected Connection: The O.J. Simpson Controversy

An unusual incident linked Donna Summer to O.J. Simpson through the purchase of her artwork, which took place during one of Summer’s exhibitions in Beverly Hills in the early 1990s. O.J. Simpson—the famed former football player and actor, globally known for his highly publicized 1994 murder trial—acquired several of Donna Summer’s paintings. The purchase occurred at the Circle Gallery in Beverly Hills, where Summer’s work was being showcased.

"Madonna" the controversial artwork acquired by O.J. Simpson

The controversy emerged during the 1994 murder trial of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman—widely known as the “Trial of the Century”—when it was revealed that O.J. Simpson had purchased artwork by Donna Summer. For some, this was seen as an uncomfortable association for Summer, given the gravity of the charges against Simpson. Others viewed it simply as a commercial transaction with no moral implications for the artist, who had no knowledge of the tragic events that would unfold years after the sale.

O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown Attend Donna Summer’s Art Exhibition in 1990

In 1990, O.J. Simpson and his then-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, attended Donna Summer’s painting exhibition at the Circle Gallery in Beverly Hills. Four years later, on June 12, 1994, Nicole was tragically murdered. Although Simpson was acquitted in the criminal trial in October 1995, he was found liable in a civil court in 1997.

While this incident did not directly impact Donna Summer’s musical or artistic career in the long term, it did spark conversation at the time. Summer bore no responsibility for Simpson’s later legal troubles, and the artwork had been sold well before the criminal events came to public light. The episode highlights how unexpected connections can emerge in the intersecting worlds of art and celebrity.

A Singular Presence in American Art Spaces 

A solo exhibition of Donna Summer’s paintings and lithographs was organized by Bennett Galleries in Nashville in 1995, followed by a showcase of her work at the Tennessee State Museum in 1998. In 1999, her paintings were featured in the Starbright Foundation’s tour of Japan—a philanthropic initiative founded by Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, aimed at using technology to support children with serious illnesses.

"Star Man" and "Brooklyn’s Eyes"

That same year, Summer was included in the monumental American Century Exhibit at New York’s prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art. This landmark exhibition, which spanned a century of American art and culture, featured her paintings Star Man and Brooklyn’s Eyes, alongside lithographs such as Jazz Man and Hard for the Money.

Jazz Man, circa 1980. Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 300. Size: 53.5 x 29 in. (135.89 x 73.66 cm).

Hard for the Money, lithograph measuring 157.48 x 93.98 cm. Signed and numbered 146/30.

In 2001, Donna Summer’s artwork was featured in a special engagement at Sotheby’s. Her art has helped raise funds and awareness for numerous charitable causes, including the Bogart Pediatric Research Foundation for Cancer, Leukemia & AIDS, the St. Jude Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Project Angel Food/Divine Design, Race to Erase MS Foundation, M.A.D., the T.J. Martell Foundation, and the Minnie Pearl Foundation.

Scarlet Starlette, 1988 Acrylic on canvas, signed and dated 'Summer 88' 122 × 122 cm (48 × 48 in.)

The Art Behind the Music

On October 18, 2003, the Entertainment Gallery at the historic Farmers Market in Los Angeles, California, hosted the opening of Driven By The Music: The Art of Donna Summer. This visual art exhibition showcased a curated selection of paintings and lithographs created by the legendary singer herself. Many of the works were signed and numbered, offering a rare glimpse into Summer’s aesthetic sensibility, spiritual depth, and her profound connection to music as a source of visual and emotional inspiration.

Driven By The Music: The Art of Donna Summer

The opening night was attended by her husband Bruce Sudano, daughter Brooklyn Sudano, actress Ali Landry, beloved former MTV host Daisy Fuentes, actor Mario Lopez, and other notable guests—including legendary producer Giorgio Moroder, a key collaborator in Donna Summer’s musical career. The exhibition was part of a broader initiative to celebrate the artist’s multidisciplinary talent. Best known for iconic hits like “Hot Stuff” and “Last Dance,” Summer also revealed her creative depth through a series of portraits, abstract works, and thematic compositions. 

Summer Fever, original hand-signed lithograph by Donna Summer from the "Driven by the Music" suite. Pencil-numbered artist’s proof edition of 75. Published in 2003 on Arches paper, measuring 18" x 24".

These pieces, produced as high-quality lithographs on fine art paper, included limited editions ranging from 75 to 300 copies. The show also featured never-before-seen works and artist’s proofs, drawing interest from collectors and longtime fans alike.

The artist returned to the gallery circuit with the exhibition Driven By The Music: The Art Of Donna Summer.

Love to Love You: A Revelation in the HBO Documentary 

This visual universe was unveiled to a wider audience through the HBO documentary Love to Love You, Donna Summer. The film revealed how the artist used painting as both a refuge and a powerful outlet to channel her inner struggles.

The documentary Love to Love You, Donna Summer premiered globally on February 17, 2023, at the Berlin International Film Festival and was released on HBO Max on May 20 of the same year. 

Through intimate home recordings and personal memories, the film reveals a deeply introspective Donna Summer. Her daughter, Brooklyn Sudano, highlights her mother’s remarkable ability to transform—not only on stage, but also through her visual art, which captures the many dimensions of her identity.

Christie’s Auction: Cementing an Artistic Legacy

The confirmation of Donna Summer’s visual artistry came on September 28, 2023, when several of her works headlined a special auction at Christie’s. This landmark event celebrated her creative legacy beyond music. Her abstract oil paintings—described as post-impressionist and neo-primitivist—offered a compelling glimpse into her expressive and multifaceted talent.

Chairman of the Board, Chaka Cohen, 1988 Acrylic on canvas, signed and dated 'summer 88' (right side); inscribed on the reverse. 121.3 × 91.1 cm (47¾ × 35⅞ in.)

Two Women with Guitarist Acrylic on canvas laid down on board 182.9 × 91.4 × 7.9 cm (72 × 36 × 3⅛ in.)

Still Life with Pink Flowers, 1988 Acrylic on canvas, dated and initialed '1988 / DS' (lower right) 61 × 50.8 cm (24 × 20 in.)

The Christie’s auction in New York drew both art collectors and devoted fans of Donna Summer, eager to acquire pieces that encapsulate the essence of this multifaceted artist. Her paintings—alongside personal items and memorabilia from her music career—were praised for their unique aesthetic, emotional depth, and rich biographical context. The event solidified Donna Summer’s status as an icon not only of pop music, but also of contemporary art.

Portrait of a Woman in Green Stripes Acrylic and fabric on canvas laid down on board, signed 'Summer' (lower right) 170.1 × 91.4 × 7.9 cm (67 × 36 × 3⅛ in.)

The Black Odalisque Acrylic on canvas laid down on board 116.8 × 116.8 × 7.9 cm (46 × 46 × 3⅛ in.)

Woman at Sunset, 1988 Acrylic on canvas in artist’s frame, signed 'Summer 88' (right side) 145.1 × 145.1 cm (57⅛ × 57⅛ in.), framed

The online auction ran from June 15 to June 29 and achieved a total of USD 907,956. The lot included 146 items spanning her visual art, personal belongings, and career memorabilia, offering a rare glimpse into the creative universe of a true cultural legend.

The unforgettable “Queen of Disco” passed away on May 17, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond music into the world of painting. Her work continues to inspire those who celebrate authenticity and transformation. Her light lives on in every note, every brushstroke, and every shared memory.

What do you think of Donna Summer’s artistic side? Do you see a connection between her visual art and the energy of her music? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Credits: onlineonly.christies.com; www.imago-images.de; www.alamy.com; ebay.com/str/forgottentreasurez; rogallery.com; www.mutualart.com; www.artnews.com; www.gettyimages.com; Photo by Ron Galella; Photo by Barry King; Photo by Frederick M. Brown