Meet Debra Dartez

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK RIGHT NOW?

I’m inspired by the peace and tranquility found in nature; the feeling of awe in a beautiful scene, or calm we feel when we’re in touch with the outdoors.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS FINISHED?

I know when a piece is done when the painting says what I first wanted to say when a beautiful scene caught my eye.  I know I’m getting close when I’m nearly finished and going over my whole painting one more time with final small details.

IN ONLY A FEW WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is slightly impressionistic realism, in a direct painting technique 

DID ANYTHING SHIFT OR SURPRISE YOU WHILE CREATING THIS COLLECTION?

I often surprise myself by seeing my subject with a deeper respect after I’m lost in hours of the painting process. It’s so gratifying to paint beautiful landscapes from start to finish!

WHO ARE SOME ARTISTS (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO INFLUENCE OR INSPIRE YOU?

I’m currently inspired by the work of many contemporary artists such as David Dibble, Christine Lashley, Barbara Courtney Jaenicke, and Denys Gorodnychyi . Just a few impressive landscape artists that I love!

WHAT MATERIALS OR TECHNIQUES DO YOU MOST ENJOY USING, AND WHY?

I really enjoy painting on flat gessoed panels instead of linen or stretched canvas.  The panels are great to paint outdoors with, and the flat texture allows me to see all my juicy brushstrokes.

STUDIO SOUNDTRACK: SILENCE, MUSIC, OR PODCASTS?

I always have something on! I love music, podcasts, and audiobooks and have a queue going 

COFFEE OR TEA WHILE YOU WORK?

Coffee in the morning is my favorite

WHAT’S ONE TOOL OR MATERIAL YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN THE STUDIO?

Linseed oil! It’s my go-to medium, and since I don’t use solvents it also comes in handy for basic brush cleaning.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “ART IS…”

…how I enjoy the natural world.