Debra’s paintings are about colour, about marks making up shapes and getting something arresting to happen visually. She strives for the playful, the exuberant and the uplifting. She is inspired by images from the natural world—especially flowers, landscapes, still life, animals and the human form. In 2019 she has begun an exploration into the exciting images and symbolic meanings of the circus.
Debra paints in oils, acrylic, watercolour gouache and ink. She often combines these media and may also include pastel, ink and collage. She also thoroughly enjoys the spontaneity and freedom of monoprints.
Debra’s favourite artist is Matisse. “Good colour sings,” he said. “It is melodious, aromatic and never overbaked.
Debra paints in oils, acrylic, watercolour gouache and ink. She often combines these media and may also include pastel, ink and collage. She also thoroughly enjoys the spontaneity and freedom of monoprints.
Debra’s favourite artist is Matisse. “Good colour sings,” he said. “It is melodious, aromatic and never overbaked.
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Debra studied for her B.Arts degree at Beloit College, Wisconsin, U.S.A. and for her M.Ed degree at Bristol University, UK. She taught art at primary school level for many years. Now she devotes herself to her own artistic activities.
She has been Area Coordinator for the Sevenoaks Area Artists taking part in South East Open Studios and for the past two years Coordinator for the newly formed sister organisation Art in June which encompasses the Sevenoaks and Eden Valley Areas. |
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Having served for 20 years on the Committee for Sevenoaks Art Club, including 3 years as Chair, she has retired from the Committee, but still an enthusiastic member and exhibits with them regularly.
Debra also helps the Kent Painters Group as a Committee member. This organisation holds an annual exhibition of invited artists and profits from sales have raised several hundreds of thousands of pounds towards local mental health charities
Debra also helps the Kent Painters Group as a Committee member. This organisation holds an annual exhibition of invited artists and profits from sales have raised several hundreds of thousands of pounds towards local mental health charities
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She spends several months each year in Florida where she paints and exhibits at local galleries. Her travels also take her to a different Greek island each September when she combines a yoga retreat with painting afternoons, a comes home with many lively watercolours inspired by the beautiful islands includiing Paros, Lesbos, Santorini and for 2019 Zakynthos.
She continues her professional development by regularly attending the wonderful painting and printmaking courses at West Dean, near Chichester, West Sussex. Debra has a small gallery in the UK where she welcomes visitors by prior appointment. Telephone +44 (0) 1959 569054. |