The Latest News from

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art

"Capturing the Spirit"

Hello Again and Happy Springtime!

As they say, April showers bring May flowers. At my studio, new paintings are blooming too! I don't know about where you are, but April here was exceptionally beautiful this year. I'm normally out of town when the trees are sporting their spring blossoms here, but this year it was so nice to be home. The colors and the light inspired me so much that I did a lot of color studies and paintings trying to capture it all. The last couple of days, the redbud blossoms have begun to fade and the flowering shrubs are now beginning to take the spotlight. Now that May has arrived, the fresh new green leaves are filling the forest behind our house. Each week of the season brings new inspiration! Here are a few of the new paintings that have been inspired by this beautiful spring color and light.

Above is "Spring Forest Study"- a 90 minute plein air painting I did from my back yard looking into the woods behind our house. Click on the painting image above to learn more about this piece. Below you can see it on the easel and a photo of my subject.

These next two paintings are from a local park here in our town, in the neighborhood where I grew up. Click on the painting images to read the story behind them both.

Below is the latest of the spring paintings - another plein air piece done in my back yard looking east to our neighbor's beautiful garden. Read more about it by clicking on the painting image.

This next painting is the fourth one I've done of Narada Lake, which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor, Michigan. This is a studio painting based on two plein air paintings I did there along with lots of photos I took there for reference. Each painting I've done has explored different times of day and different lighting conditions. Each time I paint it I feel I know the place more intimately...it's such a peaceful serene place. I hope you feel it too. This is also the largest of the four paintings I've done of this place, at 16x20.

I've spent the last few days working on a large painting commissioned as a Mother's Day gift. Here's a sneak peek of a small part of it. I'll post the full image on my social media platforms after it's delivered!

If you would like to commission a painting for someone special in your life, or for yourself, please contact me. I'd be honored to help you create a memorable gift or a family heirloom!

Speaking of Mother's Day, be sure to check out my gallery website, www.debrajoygroesserfineart.com. There are lots of great gift ideas for that special person in your life (or for yourself!), including artful mugs, wine glasses, tote bags, note cards, original painting and prints. And if you love wood art, check out my talented hubby Don's beautiful decorative and functional pieces. He has cheese boards, wine stoppers, French rolling pins, salad bowl sets, segmented vessels and much more! Click here to see Don's available creations. My gallery is now open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm or by appointment.

I've really enjoyed having so much time at my easel the last few weeks and hope you enjoy seeing these new paintings! I've been quite introspective over the last year and didn't paint a lot during that time. I feel that, thanks to that time of reflection, my work is coming from a much deeper place now than ever before. I hope you feel that too. Thank you for being a part of this artistic journey of mine...your support and your friendship mean more than you know. Until next time...take care and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Creatively yours,

Debra JOY Groesser

2021 Nebraska Artist Biennial Exhibition

Last month I unveiled this painting, "Whispers on the Prairie Wind", 24x30 oil and mentioned I submitted it for the 2021 Nebraska Artist Biennial Juried Exhibition. I'm thrilled that our of 1,000 submissions, this is one of the 100 pieces accepted for the show! Click on the image to read the story behind this piece. The exhibition will be held at Gallery 1516 in Omaha NE. Public viewing is by appointment and all the pieces are posted on the gallery website. The exhibition runs from May 12 through August 1st. For more information visit https://www.gallery1516.org/current-exhibition

Current and Upcoming Shows/Events

American Plains Artists Signature Member Juried Exhibition - March 15-May 22, 2021. Ogallala Nebraska. https://americanplainsartists.com/

2021 Nebraska Artist Biennial - May 12 - August 1, 2021. Gallery 1516, Omaha NE. The entire exhibition can be viewed at www.gallery1516.org In person viewing is by appointment. More information at https://www.gallery1516.org/current-exhibition

"America the Beautiful" Virtual Art Exhibition and Sale, Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder CO. May 31-July 10. Online Invitational Exhibition featuring artists from all 50 states. 20% of sale proceeds benefit Feeding America. View and purchase art beginning May 31st at www.marywilliamsfinearts.com

Door County Plein Air Festival - July 25-31, 2021 http://www.peninsulaschoolofart.org/events/dcpaf/

AIS National Juried Exhibition - Sept. 9 - Dec. 12, 2021. Gallery 1516, Omaha NE - Entries now being accepted through May 24th!

More information at https://americanimpressionistsociety.org/page-18291

Cape Ann Plein Air, October 2021. For more information visit http://www.capeannpleinair.org/

"Yes This Is Nebraska" Solo Exhibition, Bone Creek Museum, David City NE, November 18, 2021-March 13, 2022. This will be the first exhibition of some of the paintings in my project showcasing the beauty and diversity of the landscape of the beautiful state I call home. More information to come. www.bonecreek.org

Learning Opportunities for Artists of All Ages and Experience Levels!

My instructional video, "Understanding the Effects of Light," is now available through Liliedahl and Streamline Video. Click here if you'd like to see a quick one minute sneak peek of the video demo. Perfect for all levels from beginner to advanced. Streamline Video ran a free 90 minute art tutorial featuring a preview of my video and an interview. In case you missed it, you can see it here.

Just a reminder that my series of 25 free online drawing lessons for kids and "kids at heart" are available on my Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art page on Facebook. Each one is 20 to 40 minutes long. Click on the image at left to go to the page then scroll down to see all the videos available.

My work can be seen and purchased at these fine art galleries:

Illume Gallery of Fine Art/The Mission Gallery, St George UT www.illumegalleryoffineart.com
Montgomery-Lee Fine Art, Park City UT www.montgomeryleefineart.com

Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder CO www.marywilliamsfinearts.com

SouthWind Gallery, Topeka KS https://www.southwindfineart.com/

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art, Ralston NE www.debrajoygroesserfineart.com

My gallery is open Friday and Saturday, 11am to 4pm or

by appointment - 402-592-6552

5615 S. 77th St., Ralston NE 68127

or anytime online

Gallery: www.debrajoygroesserfineart.com

Studio: www.debrajoygroesser.com

Debra Joy Groesser

Signature Member and CEO/President: American Impressionist Society
Master Signature Member: Plein Air Artists Colorado
Signature Member: Laguna Plein Air Painters Association
Signature Member: American Plains Artists

Elected Artist Member: Salmagundi Club, NYC

Elected Artist Member: Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters
Associate Member: Oil Painters of America

On Facebook: Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art

Twitter: @DebraJGroesser Instagram: debrajoygroesser