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Deborah Elmquist, Artist-Oil Painter
A Classical Method
Firmly grounded upon the techniques and traditions of
the Dutch and Flemish Masters, Deborah begins an oil painting by
preparing the hand stretched canvas support with a sizing and multiple applications of oil lead primer,
then sanded to the desired finish. After several weeks the mature canvas
may be toned with a mixture of
maroger and burnt umber. To the ground is applied a relatively detailed
(under) drawing.
Dark and light areas (an Under-painting) are blocked in and adjusted as necessary thus establishing the tonal range of the work.
Shadow and Shape layers are developed next followed by Live Colors,
glazing's, and finishing's to complete the work.
Black oil, a lead based medium, is
combined with the paint colors of her palette to create a thin buttery
like constancy of each color. The paint is applied to the canvas
in layered glazes that form the translucent image. The completed painting is
finished with the application of one or more layers of mastic lead based varnish that adds to the
delicate translucence of the completed art work.
While Deborah reveres the classical style,
techniques
and traditions, she does not use Gilding in her practice of the
classical art method. And, she may or may not include a Dead Color
layer (or Grisaille) dependent upon the final outcome desired. Finally,
Deborah does not compound her paint colors or mediums, but purchases these
materials from reputable suppliers supporting the classical
painter.
See "My Personal Painting Philosophy" on the Fine Art
Info page for additional information. |
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Deborah Elmquist,
Classical Painter, Contemporary
Realist*
A Biography:
Deborah Elmquist, is an award winning classical oil
painter and contemporary realist, and Associate Member of the Oil
Painters of America (OPA).
Deborah began her formal study of fine art early in life at
Orlando Junior College with Professor Ralph L. Bagley (a
long time
Winter Park, Florida artist and teacher). but she can't remember a time
in her life when she didn't draw and paint, working to become the
painter she is today.
Deborah received a Fine Arts Degree from
Orlando Junior College, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from
the University of South Florida, a Masters degree from Rollins College
(Winter Park),
and a Doctorate degree from the University of Florida (Gainesville), all while
becoming one of Florida's best representational artists.
Deborah's work emphasizes the same underlying concept to
painting that has guided master artists for more than 500 years.
Following in the traditions of Rembrandt and Vermeer, her use of
transparent and semi-transparent glazes allows light to pass through the
painted objects on the canvas, producing a luminosity and depth not possible
with the direct, opaque method. She paints in the Sfumato and
Chiaroscuro styles of the Old Masters. Although Deborah specializes in
the still life, she also draws and paints the figure.
When describing her paintings, Deborah explains, "The
focus of my work is strong light and shadow shapes that create drama
for the viewer. My backgrounds are varied in tone and detail, with
attention to foreground design and the use of negative space. I work to
convey a special mood, thought, or feeling related to the subject matter
of the painting. Ultimately my goal is to create a painting that
is meaningful to the viewer, beautiful to see, and communicates what
inspires me to paint. My works are narrative and emotional in
nature and at the same time classical in composition, design, and
painting technique."
Deborah's knowledge and application of technical skill
and her use of color and line elicit pleasure and interest in the eyes
of both the novice and cultivated viewer. Private collectors both
nationally and internationally hold her work. She also has works
purchased for Art in Public Places in the Regional Library of Volusia
County, as well as part of a permanent collection in the Museum of Arts
and Science in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Deborah paints
full time and teaches classical oil painting to adult student at all
levels at the Art League of Daytona Beach and at workshops across the
region. She continues her own art education by studying with
artists Gregg Kruetz, Joshua Fallik, and Michael Siegel. Deborah
is a member of the Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the National
Association of Independent Artist (NAIA).
*Editor's Note: See Classical Realism; A
Living American Tradition on the Fine Art Info page.
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