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

Premiere Watercolor Painter George Zien will be featured on Studio Tour

A realist, George Zien is one of the Peninsula's most accomplished watercolor artists. A Phoenix resident for many years, George moved to Sequim, WA in 2001. 

His work has been displayed in galleries in Arizona, Washington and Colorado as well as in private shows in Arizona and California.  George's originals are included in private and public collections throughout the country.  Commissioned portraits of people and animals have occupied a great deal of his time but he also enjoys painting structures as well as landscapes.  

George's attendance at Scottsdale Artists’ School and participating in workshops has provided him with fuel to fire his imagination.  He has traveled in Italy and Canada seeking new and unusual subjects for his art.   George invites you to visit his website and to share it with friends.  He is a member of Sequim Arts & Northwest Watercolor Society and facilitates a life drawing group every Tuesday in his studio.  Each summer for the past four years he has taught a four day watercolor workshop with a fellow artist. 

George describes his work and art as a "form of communication". He says, "Although I tend to be a realist, I like a bit of mystery in paintings.  Most everything we see is art, and I find satisfaction using watercolors and paper to record images that are appealing.  Lights, and especially shadows, are intriguing and add dimension to my efforts.  Changes in my style are welcome as I evolve as an artist." 

George's work and studio can be visited on this year's tour. His work can also be viewed on his website at www.zienstudio.com. He may be reached at studiozien@aol.com and (360)5829622 or (360)461-2724. 

"Bison" by George Zien

"Herding" by George Zien

Tour artist Pam Walker's Art Accepted into Prestigious Show

Sequim Arts Studio Tour Artist Pam Walker has had a piece, titled, "Ancient Doorway", chosen by the annual CVG Show for participation in it's annual juried competition. CVG is one of the largest and most prestigious art competitions in the Northwest. Over 325 artists from 79 Washington cities submitted 896 artworks for consideration. Of these only 127 pieces were selected for inclusion in the show. Alfredo Arreguin, an internationally known painter from Seattle is the juror for this year’s competition. Next, Arreguin will choose the recipients of $7,000 in prizes going to 11 artists in multiple categories. Additional prizes include a purchase award by the Kitsap County Arts Board, a $300 People’s Choice Award and a $1,000 Best of Kitsap Award sponsored by the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest.

"Ancient Doorway"

Pam Walker is a versatile artist working both in pastel and photography. She has had pieces published in National Georgraphic and is also known for her pigment transfer photographs where the delicate surface of the photo pigment is transferred to various surfaces such as paper or copper.  "Ancient Doorway", is a photographic pigment transfer on Silver leaf covered acrylic, framed in a silver leaf frame. The photo is of a man passing through the "marble door" in the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul Turkey. . 

Pam's entrancing work can be viewed First Hand during this year's studio tour.  Here's a peek at the CVG show entry.