Donald Allan was born in Springville, Utah, the son of Henry K. and Sarah J. Allan.  Allan attended Brigham Young University in Utah, the Porte Royale in Paris and the Art Students League, National Academy and Salmagundi Club in New York City.

Allan has won numerous awards and trophies in various shows and competitions, including the Bronze Medal in 1978 at the National Academy of Art in New York City.

Indeed, one art critic has noted that, "… a desire to bring beauty and happiness into the world impels Mr. Allan to paint such beautiful paintings.."