Meet Deborah Wheat

About the Artist

I grew up in Louisville and went to college in Missouri, where I was a painting major. I married and had a family so my art morphed into a more academic focus of developing an art education program for the elementary school system in Florida. As children became more independent, I began working for an interior design company painting furniture, rugs and walls. Now, I am back to coloring canvas

How long have you been a member of AGA?

I've been a member of AGA for over 10 years.

A CONVERSATION WITH DEBORAH WHEAT

Tell us about your approach to art

My art is not quiet. It speaks to the celebration of how an image or idea can move from the eye to the brain then to the hand and fill a blank space. That surface can then evoke joy, sadness, comfort, empathy or memories. This is the magic that the arrangement of shapes and colors has language to speak from one human heart to another. This is the goal of my handiworks.

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What work have you created that is most meaningful to you?

"Underwater" means a lot to me. My granddaughters got to go for a nighttime swim and they were so excited that they just jumped in wearing their clothes. It was such a fun memory.......I tried to capture the moment.....

What is your favorite type of painting?

I love pushing paint. The luxurious nature of oils and the colors that can be created are so exciting and inspiring to me. It really doesn't matter whether it is a land or seascape or still life, the colors and shapes come together to evoke a mood or a feeling with which I connect and the viewer can also. 

Do you have a regular schedule for your painting practice?

I take classes from Kathryn Gray in St Matthews. I have found that the commitment "hold my feet to the fire" so that I paint at least one day a week but I do try to paint at home. 

Do you have any upcoming shows you are participating?

The student show for Kathryn Gray Studio will be November 13 , 5-8 at 211 Clover Lane, St Matthews 40207