Debra VanLeen
Guild Member Salon Show
truly remarkable inspiration for artists, she decided to once again make this state her home. Exploring these natural elements and bringing them to life with her paintings is one of the artist ’s creative drives. Debra’s artwork has been included in multiple exhibitions, and she has received awards in local, regional and, national competitions. Her work is held in private and institutional collections in the US and abroad. She has held board positions on several local and regional art associations and currently serves on the board of the Great Lakes Pastel Society. The artist also teaches workshops and classes in basic drawing, pastel painting, and painting animals in soft pastel. THIS YEAR: This past year has been a difficult one for many artists, myself included. Although the act of creating is solitary, artists also enjoy the camaraderie of gatherings, such as paint outs, figure drawing sessions, and exhibitions. They offer us the opportunity to receive feedback on our creative progress and encouragement and critiques from our peers and experts. This past year has had me turn inward and find inspiration in concentrating on a “Sky” series. I have been attracted to the firmament since I was a child helping my father study for his pilot ’s license and then heading to the skies with him in small planes. I have remained in awe since.
”Last Light,” Soft Pastel, 2020, framed 18 x 30 in, $650. This painting is part of my “Sky” series. A dramatic sunset over the dunes near Arcadia. I wanted to capture the stark outlines of the clouds and the brilliant shifts of color in the final stages of the day.
Debra VanLeen ABOUT: Like many artists, Debra started her art career in graphics and illustration with the expectation of someday creating fine art. She attended Rocky Mountain School of Art (now RMCAD) in Denver, CO, where her art education gave her the opportunity to explore many media, but soft pastel remains her favorite. A Michigan native, the artist traveled the country for education and employment and returned in 1989. Realizing that Michigan’s seasons, lakes, woods, and dunes were
CONTACT: davanleen@gmail.com, Website, (231) 233-4167. Studio visits available by appointment.
“ Setting Softly,” Soft Pastel, 2020, framed 18 x 30 in, $650. This painting is part of my “Sky” series. It was painted in 2020 from a photo I took a few years ago of a beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline sunset. The colors and shadows and the “sun pennies” on the lake inspired me.
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