I had the pleasure to spend some time with artist Deborah L. Friedman who traveled to Southern California from her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, for a short family vacation. I've personally known Debbi for about a year but have admired her artwork for much longer.
It was her colorful stones drawings that attracted my attention, an example of which can be seen in this post. As a stones and pebbles aficionado, I'm always on the lookout for unique interpretations of this popular subject.
As soon as I discovered Debbi's stones, I saw them popping up everywhere, from The Artist's Magazine's All Media Competition, where she placed first in her category, to the Derwent graphite pencils tin box, where her artwork adorns the top.
After spending some time in my studio, where Debbi posed for the obligatory "swing portrait", we went walking along the shores of Corona Del Mar until we reached Pelican Point, a beautiful bluff south of Newport Beach. There's nothing like sharing a passion with a friend! During our walk we were both equally mesmerized by the little beach treasures found along the way, like seashells, sea glass, and last but not least, pebbles and rocks.
Debbi is accomplished in many different media, including colored pencil, graphite, pastel, oil, and printmaking. Her website is a showcase of her versatility in subjects and techniques and her love of nature is the unifying force. "Whether it's finding the wings of a luna moth in my garden, watching corn grow with my son, or quietly observing catbirds and great blue herons at the pond near my house," says Debbi, "I am constantly amazed by the natural world and strive to pass on some of this beauty and joy in my artwork."
To see more of Debbi's stones drawings and other artworks, please take a moment to visit her website.
To watch Debbi's TV interview, click the following link: Art Beat interview. It's available online until the end of May.
11 comments
Jill
May 16, 2011
Wow what a beautiful drawing! I assume that was done on the Icarus Art Board? With what media…colored pencil? I only wish I could draw that well! I loved her interview also.
Sherri
May 16, 2011
Debbi’s web site is beautiful. What a wide range of subject matter. Love the detail and realistic colors.
Ester Roi
May 16, 2011
Hi Jill, I believe the drawing was done in colored pencil without the Icarus board.
Thanks for visiting.
Ester Roi
May 16, 2011
Thanks for your feedback, Sherri, I’m sure Debbi will appreciate your comment.
Kendra Ferreira
May 17, 2011
Yes, Debbi’s work is amazing. She renders the stones so beautifully and delicately with the colored pencils. I was fortunate to be featured in a colored pencil exhibit with her in March called “Rock/Candy”.
Debbi Friedman
May 17, 2011
Thanks so much for the wonderful article Ester! You are so kind. To answer Jill’s question, “Counterpoint in Green” was not done with an Icarus Art Board, as I didn’t own one until I returned from the San Jose convention and workshop with my newly purchased board!
Jill
May 17, 2011
To Debbi: Again, I loved your video interview, and as for “CIG” it didn’t look like it was done on the board, but I wasn’t sure. It is so beautiful! I love colored pencils myself but cannot draw well.
Ester Roi
May 17, 2011
Hi Kendra, I so agree with you and wish I could have visited the Rock/Candy exhibit.
Debbi, the pleasure was all mine!
Juliet Aucreman
May 17, 2011
Oh my goodness! Astonishing!
Debbi Friedman
May 19, 2011
Thanks again Jill. I hope you are taking some drawing classes, as I’m sure Ester (and Kendra) will agree that it’s a learnable skill. And thanks to Juliet. And Kendra, the feeling is mutual.
Jill
May 19, 2011
You’re welcome again Debbi. I have not/am not taking drawing classes, but my mom bought me some drawing books for xmas a couple years ago that I have to see what they are all about.