FRANCINE DEERING
CONTEMPORARY WATERCOLORS

Being raised in a well known art community in Northern California provided me with regular access to a large and diverse group of artists. Although my formal education was in a different field of study, I do not consider my self to be a “self-taught” artist because of the instruction and personal input of several award winning watercolorists from this community. As in the passage of time, the input of these fine artists has given me an expanded base for my artist mind and eye.

I have chosen transparent watercolor as my primary medium because of its ability to layer pigment over pigment to achieve a full rich color. I work primarily from my studio, preferring to control the view and lighting to achieve the dramatic effects I intend in my paintings. I consider myself to be a shape painter, being initially captured by the light and dark patterns in an image and the way all the shapes fill the intended space. I use a glazing technique layering color over color with sometimes 50 washes to achieve the depth and richness of tones watercolor can exhibit. I believe watercolor paintings can be rich, bold and dramatic.

I enjoy working with clients on commission pieces. I like the process of going to their home or office to meet with them and get a sense of who they are and the space they will be hanging the piece in. We discuss their preferences in color and shape and I often help them choose personal items for the paintings. I find the challenge of incorporating their heirlooms and keepsakes into a good composition most rewarding.

My paintings are intended to celebrate the ordinary. People move through life so quickly without taking time to notice the simple beauty of their usual surroundings. I encourage the viewer to see what they might otherwise overlook by inviting them to look closely and with detail at the subject, bringing a sense of familiarity that is intended to inspire an emotional response.

I believe everyone has been given a voice.

This is the language I have been given.