Deborah Sterk - Exploring Boundaries

"Drift" by Deb Sterk

I've been friends with Deb Sterk since she became a member of the Blue Whole Gallery in Sequim. She sort of exploded onto the scene and I, along with many others,  was blown away by her plein air landscapes. She always seemed to capture the essence of a moment in sensitive color and authoritative brush work. It's easy to recognize good work when you see it and Deb's collectors recognized it too. Her work has always sold well and often when I was working at the desk at the Blue Whole, customers would come in asking specifically for her work.

"Interlude" by Deb Sterk

Deb has studied with a lot of fine and well known artists over the years and has degrees in art as well. Her work definitely leaves a strong impression and she was just getting rooted in her voice and career when she decided to make a move in a new direction. This always takes courage and "chutzpah" on the part of an artist. It's difficult to make changes when you are finally getting known for a specific style. So I have to hand it to Deb because she took a big leap when she took her work in a more abstract direction. 



While still having a representational bent, her work has taken on a different feel. The colors are peaceful and yet vibrant and one gets the distinct feeling that she's excited about her new direction if not yet settled in it. But that's what it's all about anyway, isn't it? We're all abut the journey. You go girl!

Deb describes the work appearing here as "Intuitive landscapes done in acrylics. These are small 5 X 7 paintings done quickly, using a dominate color and two spice colors."

"Through the Two" by Deb Sterk

Be sure to visit Deborah Sterk on this year's Sequim Arts Studio Tour.

                                                                                           -  Blog Master, Susan Martin Spar