The art of Debra Blore
"What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining elusive element which is life itself - life hurrying past us and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose."

Willa Cather

Many of the still life paintings on this page are from my series, "From Ordinary to Art," still life paintings using simple kitchen and garden items.





"Grandma's Garden Colander"       oil on canvas, 20x24"    

A regular colander wouldn't hold enough produce when bringing in the morning harvest to clean and prepare lunch.  This large, garden colander has taken thousands of trips to the garden, proudly presenting fruits and vegetables for cleaning and preparation over the decades.



"Garden Tools"     oil on panel, 12x16"

This set up is simple, exploring the beauty of everyday items that might be overlooked.  The fern on the stoneware pot repeats the garden theme.


"Pears  and Water"     oil on canvas, 11x14”

As an art student, I studied many of the Masters, falling in love with the simple still life studies of Chardin.   Sometimes the most satisfying results come from a simple set up. One winter day, I was looking through my kitchen for something interesting to cook, I was taken by the simple beauty of multiple reflections of the pears through a plain glass of water.

By using a very dark under-painting, I was able to evoke the technique of the old masters, bringing an elegant feel to simple items from the kitchen.

This painting was selected to hang in the Congressional Office of Congressman Paul Hodes.




      
"Autumn Harvest"      oil on panel, 12x20" 

I've always loved the vibrant colors of Autumn, whether in the trees, the clothing or on the table.  It seems natural to bring these gifts of nature indoors and for artists to capture the colors so that we may enjoy them all year.   

This painting was selected to hang in the Congressional Office of Congressman Paul Hodes.



"Homage to Jensen"      oil on panel, 20x24"   


When I was trying to learn how to paint flowers, I went to the master, Johann Jensen to learn. Using one of his famous works as a model, I updated his work.  This painting was accomplished by beginning with a crimson under-painting to obtain the glow and depth I wished to achieve.

This painting was selected to hang in the Congressional Office of Congressman Paul Hodes.