The strength of Debbie’s paintings comes from her
love of color and design. She prefers to make a
statement, not tell a story. A signature member of Alla
Prima International and Oil Painters of America Debbie
uses her bold style and enthusiastic brushwork to create
a unique view of her subject matter and offers the
viewer an energetic and fresh appreciation of the
ordinary.
Now in its eleventh year, Alla Prima International was
formed as a core group for a special list of artists
interested in the exploration and cultivation of plein
air painting (painting on location). Travels take them
to varied incredible scenery locations in the USA, as
well as around the globe to paint as a group, to enjoy
the camaraderie of fellow artists, and to discuss art
ideas during their many group sessions. “One of the
highlights of being an artist for me has been traveling
and meeting new people. Some of these people have
enriched my life for only a brief period of time and
others have become good friends.”
“I love oil paint! It is so luscious and sensuous.”
Debbie doesn’t even try to hide her enthusiasm with
painting and when one views her work that enthusiasm
shines through in a joyous display of color and
brushwork. But what Debbie makes look so loose and easy
represents years of hard work and study both here and
abroad with many of today’s most popular contemporary
artists. She has traveled to France and Italy to study
with Ann Templeton while closer to home Judi Betts,
Kevin MacPherson, Peggy Kroll-Roberts, Kim English,
Charles Sovek, Gwendolyn Kaye, William F. Reese, Sandee
Sander, Joyce Pike, Darwin Musselman and Dollye Kirk
have all provided instruction at various points in her
career development. She shares these experiences with
others by teaching an occasional workshop.
“Being an artist is truly a privilege.” says Debbie. “I
am thankful to have the opportunity to express my inner
most thoughts and feelings in such a creative and
expressive way. Being able to mix paint and create a
color that I see in my own unique way is both humbling
and exhilarating while the ability to apply paint
thickly and create a texture on the surface of a canvas
is heavenly.”
Debbie began painting in 1992 and is very aware of the
change the study of art has made in her life. “The world
looks totally different to me, now I see colors and
rhythms in nature that I never saw before. It’s great to
be able to record my experiences with a visual diary
that not only lifts my spirit but brings joy to those
who see my work.” And many have experienced the joy of
her work through no less than seven solo and numerous
group exhibits throughout the United States since 1997.
