Featured Artist
Deborah Lightfield

Deborah's theme for her exhibition is 'A Fresh Perspective'.  Many pieces from it are shown below;  they are Ocean Wash and Acrylic on canvas.  She describes her influences and techniques...

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"The ocean has always been a source of calm for me, my muse and a major influence in my work. This inspiration is apparent in my Ocean Wash artwork. What I find incredibly challenging and satisfying is that every Ocean Wash experience and product is different because the conditions of the ocean are ever changing. Nature truly is participating in the physical synergy."
 
"The Ocean Wash technique is a fascinating method I implemented into my artistic body of artwork. Over the years I have elevated the process to create fine art that is archival. And, as with all my artwork, I incorporate my individual "artist's voice". 

Ocean Wash is created by submerging the watercolor paper or canvas directly into the ocean waves. A layer of wet sand creates random patterns. The substrates are then placed upon tarps on the beach where acrylic paint is applied onto the wet sand patterns. As the paint dries, the brilliant colors and textured sand arbitrarily respond with the help of the wind and sun to create inspirational compositions. Ocean Wash usually takes a few days to dry, after which excess sand is swept away. Amazing and complex shapes and colors are revealed, and the imagination is inspired. The artist then develops these ideas by additional painting techniques. Over the years, I have approached the process with various applications including pre-painting the surfaces or adding modeling compounds to vary the outcomes. Of course, the art process, artwork and the artist are always evolving."

Deborah's Biography:

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Deborah Lightfield has been an artist for 50 years, has lived throughout the country and loves challenging herself with her art and in life. Her vibrant, eye-catching artwork is often selected and featured in juried Art Shows, has won many various awards, although her greatest honor and pleasure is in finding loving homes for her art. She received her BFA from James Madison University.
 
Before becoming a full time fine artist, she worked 20 years designing/creating jewelry and 20 years as an art teacher. Within this time, she has shown and sold artwork throughout the country. Her sense of adventure led her to work on Princess Cruises for 2 years. Her dynamic career and interests have taken her on travels around the world, contributing to her robust artistic repertoire.
 
Deborah paints primarily using acrylics, in conjunction with her elevated Ocean Wash technique, a fascinating method she implemented into her artistic practice many years ago. The ocean is her muse in much of what she creates. Her art styles vary, incorporating elements from Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism and Abstract.
 
This award-winning artist resides in Ponte Vedra, FL, and a fun anecdote is that she is related to James McNeil Whistler.