The Latest News from

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art

"Capturing the Spirit"

Hello again...

And a warm welcome to all of my new subscribers. Well, we've made it to June...it certainly has been a challenging year so far in so many ways. I pray that you and your families are staying safe and well. I know it's a terribly stressful time for so many...please know that my heart is with you. As an artist, it's been hard to be focused and inspired lately, but I've finally been back at the easel and trying to create some beauty, light and joy in what has been quite a dark time. As all of my "in person" shows and events have been cancelled and postponed this spring, it's actually been refreshing to spend time at home and in my garden. One of the surprises this year was the abundance of peony blooms on one of our bushes that had never had more than one bloom in the 28 years we've lived here. Seeing those beautiful fragrant flowers, I was inspired to try to paint them.

Last week, I set the peonies up out in the garden in a favorite vase with a teacup and saucer, which were all wedding gifts when my husband and I were married nearly 29 years ago. I rarely paint still life and this one was a first: first time attempting to paint one outdoors (en plein air) and the first time painting peonies. It has taken some time find inspiration the last few months...but this subject felt so happy and comforting. In spite of the hot weather, the light was so beautiful! It was one of those special paintings that seemed to almost paint itself...a magical feeling, pure joy, and something I personally needed right now. I hope it makes you happy and lifts your spirits too and that you feel the joy I felt as I painted it. This painting is on hold for the American Impressionist Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition which will be held October 22nd through November 21st, 2020 at Illume Gallery of Fine Art in St. George, Utah. It will be available through the gallery.

Finally, I will continue to take time to paint and hopefully create something beautiful to help lift our collective spirits...it's what we are called to do as artists in good times and times of hardship.

Stay safe, be well and please accept my sincere heartfelt thanks for your friendship and support...my best to you and your loved ones always.

-Debra Joy Groesser

"Hope Springs Eternal"

10x8 oil (plein air) $850

Watch the video progress of the creation of this piece here.

Where in the World Am I Today??!!

7th Annual "Where in the World Is" Plein Air Event is now online live - today!

Watch as nearly 100 artists, including myself, create works of art on location from all over the world! Each artist has recorded three videos of the progression of their pieces. Be sure to check mine out - especially my third video -the ending is epic (you'll see what I mean)! You'll definitely get a feel for one of the challenges of painting outdoors! Here is the link to see all artists and our videos - and to purchase our paintings: https://whereintheworldispleinair.com/

This is my painting I did for this event - it's available!

Free Online Video Drawing Lessons

In early April, I began offering free online video drawing lessons for kids and "kids at heart." Please watch this video to learn more about how these came about. Then you can tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00am central time via Facebook Live on my Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Facebook page. Be sure to "like" and follow my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DebraJoyGroesserFineArt/ to be notified when I go live with these video lessons. This is week 11, lessons 21 and 22. I'll be doing a total of 25 lessons this time around. I'll also be uploading them onto a YouTube channel - I'll keep you posted!

Gallery News: "Impressions" Exhibition ending soon at Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery.

Gallery is open by appointment.

As of June 1st, the gallery is open by appointment by calling 402-592-6552. I will be wearing a mask as recommended by our local health department. I have disposable masks available for customers as well as hand sanitizer.

If you love Impressionism, you will want to see this special exhibition featuring paintings, including the two above, by eight nationally recognized, award winning American Impressionist painters. We've extended the show due to the COVID-19 situation but it will be ending soon. Give me a call to set up your private showing!

The featured artists are Richard Oversmith (NC), Cheryl St John (CO), Eric Jacobsen (OR), Toni Williams (CA), Michael Clark (CO), Doreen St John (OH), Todd Williams (AR) and myself. All of the paintings in this show, all of hubby Don's woodworking, and gift items are available to view and purchase online at https://debrajoygroesserfineart.com/works

Free front porch, contactless delivery within 30 miles of the Omaha metro area or curbside pickup at the gallery, and free shipping within the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii).

Portrait Commissions

Above is a commissioned portrait painting that I completed two weeks ago. It's always an honor to be asked to capture someone's likeness and personality on canvas and this one was no exception. This piece had the added challenge of several musical instruments which helped to complete the "story" of this young man and his love for music.

Most of the commissioned paintings I do are actually portraits. They make wonderful one of a kind gifts that will be treasured for years to come. If you have ever considered having a painting commissioned, please call or email me. I'd love to create a special family heirloom for you!

June and July Events/Exhibitions

(Click here for a complete list of events)

American Impressionist Society Small Works Showcase, RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg TX. Extended through July 4th. https://rshannagallery.com/

2020 Cathedral Artist Invitational - June 20-August 16. Cathedral Cultural Center, Omaha NE Opening receptions, June 20, 21 - important info here: https://www.cathedralartsproject.org/2019-20-season

Art of the Plains 2020 Juried Exhibition - June 25-August 2, San Angelo TX. Opening reception June 25.

http://americanplainsartists.com/shows-and-events/

Door County Plein Air Festival - July 19-27, Door County, WI.

Virtual event this year!

http://www.peninsulaschoolofart.org/events/dcpaf/

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

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

The Mission Gallery, St George UT www.themissiongallery.com
Montgomery-Lee Fine Art, Park City UT www.montgomeryleefineart.com

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

SouthWind Gallery, Topeka KS www.southwindartgallery.com

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