Debra Houston | Abstract Palette Knife painter

Debra J. Houston - Inspired by the simplicity of every day scenes, I work to bring those items to their extreme through an expression of dramatic color and exaggerated light. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’m surrounded by natural beauty but the depiction of landscapes and street scenes comes from an interpreted existence rather that precise physical locations.

When beginning a painting, I allow the paint and colors to move me. I don’t typically have a carefully mapped out plan for each piece, but rather just an idea or focal point that develops throughout the creation. An emotional interest is the true goal in my work. Creating a mood, reflection, wonder…. something which allows you to escape each and every time you take it in.

I’ve always been intrigued by vivid colors and textures and through countless hours of experimentation and practice, I have become a versatile artist depicting landscapes, cityscapes and street scenes, abstracts and unique color studies.

Recent work is done with both a pallet knife and a brush, which can provide intricate detail while still leaving a lot of room for your interpretation. I use oils and acrylics and paint on a variety of surfaces including, canvas, board and Plexiglas.

My work currently hangs in both private and corporate collections throughout The United States.