Debbie is an enthusiastic artist and has been painting seriously since her teens. She has nurtured her talents by working with professional artist Erik Clewes to produce work for an online gallery set up by the Herbert.
The work with Eric has helped Debbie to learn new techniques and to use different materials including watercolours and acrylics. Debbie has been shown different styles of painting which has helped her to extend her own technique and style.
Debbie loves vibrant bright colours - especially orange and blue – and has used these colours well in learning to use acrylics. Erik has become Debbie’s mentor through the Virtual Gallery project and it is hoped that this kind of work with a Coventry-based professional artist will continue in the future.
Debbie says: “I liked working with Eric. He has helped me do new things.”‘
The Virtual Gallery project involves people using pieces from the Herbert’s collection as inspiration for their own pieces of art. These pieces will be shown in an online gallery that people can change and update in the future. (www.virtualgallery.org.uk ). Debbie gained inspiration from a piece of embroidery showing the Taj Mahal, which was the basis of her own piece called The Palace.
The Palace piece was made using a printing technique where paint is rolled onto a plastic sheet and then paper is laid on top of it. Debbie made flowing marks on the paper then she carefully peeled off the paper from the plastic to show the detailed picture. Once it was dry, Debbie added bright acrylics to add another dimension to her piece. Debbie enjoys using different types of paint and wants to include embroidery in her work in the future.
Debbie says: “I get excited when I work”.
She has an exhibition at the Tin Angel in Spon Street during August and September and she is looking forward to producing new work and presenting it in the form of merchandise such as postcards and mugs.