Deborah Graffuis | Artist Statement

Artist Statement

             "Style is besides the point. Nobody would pay attention if one always said the same thing,
                                                       in the same words and the same tone of voice."
                                                                                                                                              -- Pablo Picasso

I truly believe art sings to our soul - thus the evolving artist - not a stagnant one.  Art collectors typically purchase a work of art that ignites their senses whether it is color, composition, subject or medium.

I call myself the "accidental artist" because I had never planned on becoming a professional artist. It all started in my early teens wanting to study architecture in college. However, I went another path in college and in the past 32 years I have been a successful commercial real estate broker selling land to home builders. I viewed vacant acreage as a blank canvas where I could visualize the future development of the site, however, my curiosity of art has become my new passion.

I have taken numerous art classes over many years - oils, watercolors, mixed media, collage, etc., but I am mostly self-taught. I love to explore and experiment with surfaces, mediums, color and texture. I am usually pleased with the outcome of my collection of watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels, pencils and inks created on various surfaces. And, there are the unexpected "surprises" with various techniques. I always utilize professional grade materials - nothing less will do.

Commissions are welcome and I enjoy collaborating a specific piece of art for someone. If you are interested in any of my artwork that may be recreated, please contact me.

Artist Organizations

Alamo Danville Artists Society
    Membership Director June 2013 - April 2015
    President January 2014 - April 2015
    Publicity Director June 2014 to April 2015
    Membership Chair April 2015 to October 2015
    Publicity Chair April 2015 to September 2015

Rossmoor Art Association, Walnut Creek, CA
    Member April 2015 to December 30, 2015

International Acrylic Painters Society
    Associate Member August 2014 to August 2015

Lamorinda Arts Alliance
    Member August 2015 to 2019
March 2021 to Present

California Watercolor Association
    Associate Member October 2015 to 2018
    Co-Vice President Membership January 1, 2016 to August 10, 2016
    Communications Director August 10, 2016 to July 1, 2018

Exhibits

February 20, 2016 - October 8, 2016          Town Hall Theater, Lafayette, CA
July 18, 2015 - September 24, 2015           Blackhawk Gallery, Danville, CA
March 7th, 2015 - May 1, 2015                    Blackhawk Gallery, Danville, CA
August 2, 2014 to October 30, 2014           Danville Music, 31 Railroad Ave., Danville, CA
July 2015 to January 2016                          Town of Danville, City Hall, Danville, CA
June 2014 to Present                                   Bagel Street Cafe, Alamo Shopping Plaza, Alamo, CA
May 17 & 18, 2014                                      Primavera Show at Blackhawk Plaza, Danville, CA
March 4 - July 15, 2014                               Comerica Bank, Danville, CA
May 25 & 26, 2013                                       Primavera Show at Blackhawk Plaza, Danville, CA
October 5 & 6, 2013                                     Art in the Park, San Ramon, CA