Debbie Macklin – Worcestershire Open Studios

7 Debbie Macklin

Painter in oils

Artform: Painting

I paint in oils, working from my studio at Marlbank Farmhouse, and en plein air.

I love the challenge and the flexibility that oil paints present, and am interested in exploring how paint can convey mood and atmosphere, depict beauty, encapsulate a sense of place, and evoke emotions and memories.

I look for structure, colours, shapes and significant forms that appeal, but the subjects I am drawn to are varied: fast moving clouds over countryside; the stillness of an open book left on a chair cushion; figures in a park; flamboyant blooms jostling for attention.

As for style, I aspire to a loose, direct approach. The most enjoyable and successful work is often from direct observation. Sketching is a valuable part of the process, helping to work out composition, define shapes and identify colour.

In my professional life, I worked in journalism and communication. I have enjoyed various painting groups and classes over the years, but I don’t have a formal art training. However, just before turning 60, I discovered the inspirational teaching of British contemporary artist, Martin Kinnear, founder of the Norfolk Painting School, and completed his Diploma Course in oil painting in 2019.