Don Partlo was born in Exeter  Ontario,  Canada. Since graduating as a Civil Engineer he pursued a career, in the Engineering and Construction Field. Don is a resident of Calgary Alberta Canada, where he maintains a studio. He started painting in earnest at an early age, after observing his parents colourizing black and white photographs, before the advent of colour photography.

He has chosen to paint in both Acrylics and Oils, developing a distinctive impressionistic style, shunning detail in his work.

He enjoys painting the natural settings, he lives in and preserving on canvas street scenes, old buildings, grain elevators, which are fast disappearing.

He is largely self taught. Don has availed himself of a number of work shops given by professional artists and by  Club peers.

Don is a longtime member of the Calgary Sketch Club and was honoured to be presented with a Lifetime Membership. Over the years he has signed his work with D.Partlo, Douglas, and Donald Partlo.