Donnell was born in New York City. He has taken classes at the Brooklyn Museum of Art and and Kings Borough Community College.
In 1992 he enrolled in a well-known Visual Performing Arts program at Suitland High School. There he learned the basics of printmaking, painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Donnell was accepted to Frostburg State University’s fine arts program, mostly due to his monotype prints.
Later at Baltimore Clayworks located in Baltimore, Maryland Donnell refined his techniques.He continues to grow today.