Artist of the Month January 2020

Debby Marriott

Barefoot Bay, FL

I enjoy painting watercolor batik on ginwashi rice paper using wax as a resist.  I choose this surface because it provides the translucent and textural qualities that I desire.   The chopped fibers often draw the viewer closer to see what is that in the paper!  I can paint realistic but yet have a rugged quality to my paintings.  The paper lends itself well to both translucent and opaque paints and they seem to glow.  While some might think it would be tedious to paint and wax each color separately I am always excited to iron off the wax when finished to see what is revealed.

How and when did you start creating art?

I took my first watercolor class in May 2013 on a whim with a friend.  I was hooked from the beginning.

What media and genres do you work in?

I work in watercolor, watercolor batik, and fluid/resin.

Who or what are your influences?

I learned to do Watercolor Batik from a Kathie George package and fell in love with the technique.

What was your inspiration for Lil Man?

My one and only grandson was 3 at the time I took the picture and had to paint it batik style!

Describe your creative process?

I enjoy painting watercolor batik on ginwashi rice paper using wax as a resist.  I choose this surface because it provides the translucent and textural qualities that I desire.   The chopped fibers often draw the viewer closer to see what is that in the paper!  I can paint realistic but yet have a rugged quality to my paintings.  The paper lends itself well to both translucent and opaque paints and they seem to glow.  While some might think it would be tedious to paint and wax each color separately I am always excited to iron off the wax when finished to see what is revealed.

What are you working on currently?

A series of Santorini paintings from photos on my last visit there.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

I now only paint what makes me happy and gives me pleasure!

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

Strawbridge Art League Gallery in Melbourne FL or my website debbymarriott.com