Debora Stewart ~ Feature Interview October 2016
Debora creates paintings in both a non-objective style and abstract realism, inspired by nature and the environment.
She is a Signature Member and Master Pastellist of the Pastel Society of America and in the Master's Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies. Her abstract pastels have won awards from International Artist magazine, Pastel Society of America and the International Association of Pastel Societies. She is the author of Abstract Art Painting: Expressions in Mixed Media by Northlight Books and a series of videos on creating abstract art.
Debora's website and her blog
She is a Signature Member and Master Pastellist of the Pastel Society of America and in the Master's Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies. Her abstract pastels have won awards from International Artist magazine, Pastel Society of America and the International Association of Pastel Societies. She is the author of Abstract Art Painting: Expressions in Mixed Media by Northlight Books and a series of videos on creating abstract art.
Debora's website and her blog
Peony Web, painting by Debora Stewart
|
PSST: Everyone loves a great studio. What is your painting setup?
Debora: I work out of my home. I don’t have a large space but it is big enough for me to paint large paintings and large pastels. The space is an extra bedroom converted into my studio. I have an easel, long table, flat file and some storage for paints and pastels. I also rent a climate controlled storage unit for some of my works and shipping materials. This has helped me get things out of the house! PSST: We read so much about composition and value studies. What is your artistic process? Can you discuss the way in which you create artwork? Debora: I am always in the process of change. I’m forever experimenting and trying out new methods. I keep a sketchbook for small drawings and ideas. I usually begin a piece with a small color study. This helps me to test out colors, composition and value. Most recently, I have been working on abstractions that incorporate drawings from nature. I create blind contour drawings of plants, flowers and bouquets. I utilize these drawings in my abstractions now. I use a similar process whether it is a pastel or mixed-media painting. I first create an underpainting with fluid acrylics. I draw on top of the underpainting with charcoal if it is a pastel painting. If it is a mixed media painting, I may use charcoal, oil bars or paints to create lines. If it is a pastel painting, I then go over the drawing and underpainting with ground to create texture. I finish with soft pastel. So my process has become layered whether it is pastel or paint. I have found that this layering process helps with abstraction. |
Fields painting by Debora Stewart
PSST: How do you describe your painting style and color choices?
Debora: My painting style is primarily abstraction and abstract realism. My style is also very expressive and intuitive. I do not have a specific palette of color choices. I do have certain colors that are “go to” colors. I base my color choices on my mood and what I am drawn to at the time and this changes with the season. I am also very inspired by the environment. If I see colors in nature that I am drawn to they end up in my work.
Debora: My painting style is primarily abstraction and abstract realism. My style is also very expressive and intuitive. I do not have a specific palette of color choices. I do have certain colors that are “go to” colors. I base my color choices on my mood and what I am drawn to at the time and this changes with the season. I am also very inspired by the environment. If I see colors in nature that I am drawn to they end up in my work.
Garden Meditation, painting by Debora Stewart
|
PSST: Do you have any tips you would like to share on marketing, exhibiting or social media?
Debora: I have had a blog now for almost ten years. This has been one of the most useful things for me and maybe even more so than a website. People have learned more about me and my process through my blog. I can also look back at my first entries and see my progress over time. When I began, I had no idea what I would even write about. It is an online journal and I try to keep it reflective and personal. You have to take risks. It is important to do the best work you are capable of doing and then try to get it out there by entering shows, competitions and the like. If you get rejected do not get discouraged but keep trying. Social media has been important for me. Social media has helped me to reach a larger audience with my work and teaching. I began my workshops by receiving a personal email from Maggie Price who had seen my work on PSA Facebook page. She invited me to teach at IAPS and it was after this experience that I decided to leave my school. I now receive offers to teach from social media and many of the artists who come to my workshops are also familiar with me from Facebook and my blog. I would say it has changed my life. |
PSST: Continued learning is important. Tell us about your workshops format. Also, your book – and any other books you might recommend.
Debora: My workshop format follows my Northlight book very closely. I am the author of Abstract Art Painting: Expressions in Mixed Media by Northlight. I also filmed a series of videos for Northlight on abstract painting. I understand that my book has been one of their best sellers.
I am very organized in my workshops and have felt good to get such positive feedback from artists who have attended. I strive for a fun, experiential and structured workshop. My workshops give the participant a good foundation in abstraction. I plan my workshops to follow a step-by-step process that artists can work with later on their own.
My workshops encourage an artist to find their own style and experiment with a different way of seeing and expressing. Most artists who have come to my workshops have been realistic artists wanting to loosen up their style and find another way to express themselves. I would say that most have been very happy with the workshop experience and I have even had some repeat the workshop.
I mix demonstrations, short power point presentations, individual and group exercises and always give plenty of one-on-one assistance. I rarely sit down during workshops! My workshops are non-threatening, fun and very informative. I also give thorough handouts and bring some supplies to share.
Debora: My workshop format follows my Northlight book very closely. I am the author of Abstract Art Painting: Expressions in Mixed Media by Northlight. I also filmed a series of videos for Northlight on abstract painting. I understand that my book has been one of their best sellers.
I am very organized in my workshops and have felt good to get such positive feedback from artists who have attended. I strive for a fun, experiential and structured workshop. My workshops give the participant a good foundation in abstraction. I plan my workshops to follow a step-by-step process that artists can work with later on their own.
My workshops encourage an artist to find their own style and experiment with a different way of seeing and expressing. Most artists who have come to my workshops have been realistic artists wanting to loosen up their style and find another way to express themselves. I would say that most have been very happy with the workshop experience and I have even had some repeat the workshop.
I mix demonstrations, short power point presentations, individual and group exercises and always give plenty of one-on-one assistance. I rarely sit down during workshops! My workshops are non-threatening, fun and very informative. I also give thorough handouts and bring some supplies to share.
Abstract Portrait, painting by Debora Stewart
|
PSST: Tell us what events or classes you have coming up.
Debora: I was invited to exhibit in France for the Pastel en Perigord exhibit in St. Aulaye, France. I shipped three abstract florals for the show, which took place during July/August 2016. One of my most recent abstract florals has been accepted into this year’s Pastel Society of America exhibit in New York. I’m very happy that my work has been included this year. I will return to teach my second workshop at the PSA school in October of this year. I have had a very busy teaching schedule and have a full schedule for 2017, including a workshop in Houston on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 27, 28 and 29, 2017 at Artmix Creative Learning Center, and am now scheduling 2018. I was also invited to teach in Croatia during 2018. I have been very busy painting in pastel, acrylic and oils for my galleries. I am now represented by Huff Harrington Fine Art in Atlanta and FW Gallery in Baton Rouge. Both are now carrying my pastels. |
Acadia Cliffs 2, painting by Debora Stewart