Debra Van Leen
It is all about the light. I have always been fascinated by the way light reacts to shape, color and the designs it creates with objects illuminated. Light allows all of us to see the world before us. I feel I can translate that light into a pleasing image to be enjoyed whether of my own invention or a commissioned work.
Growing up in a home filled with art, music, literature, science, and love, I was encouraged to explore and reflect on anything and everything. A large personal library, visits to museums, concerts and plays were a big part of family activities. My inspiration to paint comes from these.
Like many artists I started my career in graphics and illustration with the expectation of someday returning creating fine art. I am fortunate now to be in just that position. As with any profession artists change and grow as their career progresses. With each painting I learn a few new steps for the next creation. I look back to former works to see how my skills have evolved. How my vision, observation, and interpretation have changed, and look forward to using my experience to translate my next vision for my audience. Animals have are also a favorite subject. I have painted them, both as wildlife renderings or as commissioned works. My life has also been deeply involved with horses, a favorite subject and also one of multiple commissions.
A Michigan native, I have traveled the country for education and employment returning in 1989. Realizing that Michigan’s seasons, lakes, woods, farms and dunes were truly remarkable inspiration for artists, I decided to once again made this state my home. Exploring these natural elements and bringing them to life is one of the my creative drives. I enjoy painting landscapes of northern Michigan, my home now, and of Greece, my second home. These works are either created on site en plein air, or from my own photos with field sketches and notes.
My artwork has been included in multiple exhibitions and has received awards in local, regional and national competitions. My work is held in private and institutional collections in the US and abroad. I have held board positions on several local and regional art associations.