Welcome, I’m glad you stopped by.
I hope you’re having an enjoyable wander, finding things that pique your interest.
For the Beginner Watercolorists, you’ll find a lot of resource information within the Watercolor Basics Page. Others, interested in a broader scope of experimental art, expressing creativity, learning how to see things differently…. The Search button will be a fabulous tool!
![](https://debiriley.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/debiriley.com_.jpeg?w=515&h=514)
Why I teach & share Art ….
I find I always want to know “the Why” of things!
So, “why” do I teach?
I find it incredibly satisfying to share with others the different ways Individuals may express their own uniquely creative voice, their own thoughts and feelings.
To find their pathway to artistic authenticity.
![Wall art Debiriley Society6.com](https://debiriley.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_0219.jpg?w=521&h=521)
Where You Can Find Me
Atwell Gallery http://atwellarts.weebly.com/debi-riley—watercolour.html
I am, 2-3 x week, posting on Instagram so you can see my recent activities & projects there.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/debi.riley/
Online shops: Society6.com & Redbubble.com
![bright, colorful floral purple, wall art, vintage home decor, debiriley.com](https://debiriley.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/shop-purplefloral.jpg?w=500&h=337)
Love of Diversity
I was, a pure watercolorist.
![watercolor trees, painting watercolour forest trees, debiriley.com, simplify the scene, indigo Daniel Smith watercolours](https://debiriley.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/forestry.jpg?w=509&h=509)
For many years I taught “Absolute Beginners Watercolours” at a community college in Sydney. Life changed with a series of multiple international transfers. However, with those exciting transfers to new cities, art centres, colleges, I heard the same thing.
“No.
We don’t need a beginner’s watercolour teacher. We already have one.”
Many times though, that “No” was followed with a new question.
“But, can you teach something Different?“
And each time I said, “YES. I CAN.”
I adapted. My mindset changed.
Different isn’t merely what I’m used to doing now, it is truly what I most enjoy doing.
I don’t think I am nearly as afraid of “NO” now.
“No” has taught me so many lessons. Presenting the opportunity to build resilience, resolve, and to become more purpose driven. Learning to take Risks in being authentically, vulnerably, Different.
![color medley monday, floral painting, acrylic flower abstract, cobalt teal art, debiriley.com](https://debiriley.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/mmedly-2.jpg?w=750)
Art Awards Highlights
- 2015 Curators Pick Indian Ocean MCAA Art Awards
- 2014 Mastery of Technique Zen I Watercolour 1st Prize MCAA
- 2005 First Place Watercolors Landscape II “Outstanding Artistic Vision, Exceptional skill in the media” North Central Texas College judge, Dan Bills
- 1998 The Outstanding Work Modern Section Night Rider “Impressive image, sensitive, economical in its colour, tonal and shape relationships” judge, Patrick Carroll
- 1999 Grand Champion of Show Landscape Untitled Watercolour Art Prize Manella Show
Visual Arts Instructor
- University of Western Australia extension Perth, WA
- Atwell Gallery Perth, WA
- Daniel Smith Art Materials: Seattle; Bellevue; Silverdale, Washington
- Central Coast Community College Ourimbah, NSW
- Manly Warringah College (Northern Beaches Community College ) Sydney
- Shoreline Community College, Washington USA
I’m appreciative of the wonderful mentoring of Jan Vincent and David Taylor. I’d like to encourage, enthuse and inspire others just as generously as they have done for me.
Thanks for spending some time over at Okanagan Okanogan! It’s a thrill to have you walking o long with me through the grass today! Australia, Washington, Texas… where are you now? Best, Harold
LikeLike
Your photos caught my eye. Family used to go to Tonasket & Sun Lakes in summer to visit replies, so the area ‘looked familiar’! love your sense of colour, composition, light and shade. we’re in Perth, Western Australia now. I’ll visit your site again, thanks!
LikeLike
just all the yellows together, blues together, browns together, the reds as far from yellow as possible! thats it. lol
LikeLike
Hi again! Is there any way I can email you? Best wishes for your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi: I am new to receiving your blogs….just signed up..I am a “Raw Beginner”..in learning about art but just to let you know ..your teaching is excellent..and I am happy to,join your followers!..I live in Canada..and a small scenic city!..Picking up on .. “Colour “..joanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Joanne, Very glad you’re finding the site helpful, encouraging hopefully! Thank you so much for “following”! Cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Hi Debi ..I am a new subscriber to your web page!..Canada..Learning about art expression!..I feel very inspired to keep reading your Blogs ..thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Debi, thanks for stopping by my Kamakura Mirror Micropoetry blog. I’ve have been thinking of starting watercolors, so finding your blog is a kind of serendipity. I’ll start with “10 Tips to Get You Started.”
LikeLike
Hi Debi (and as I type Debi, I realized that I may gave called you Deb on a reply)
Anyway – I had to smile at your About comments. The knowledge of art without the knowledge of computer 🙂
I look forward to checking out your work!
Laurie
LikeLiked by 1 person
no worries, I answer to Deb as well ! just not so fond of ….. “DEBRAAA!!!” …in my mother’s stern ‘you’re in trouble’ tone, LOL
LikeLike
Deb – I am SO EXCITED that your blog appeared in my WordPress feed! I am a beginner trying to teach myself watercolor painting – and your post today was so valuable to me! Can’t wait to read more and follow and learn from you!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jodi, I’m glad too! Hopefully, the tips help eliminate frustrations you face just setting out in watercolours 🙂 Thank you for coming in to have a look- liking, following, sharing etc… I appreciate it!!
And, If you have some watercolour questions that pop up ask. If I can answer them, I will! thank you for stopping in & your kind comments 🙂 Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Deb! I just may take you up on that! Thanks for the inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome 🙂 debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi, thanks for your wonderful feedback on “Letters”, I could tell immediately that you’re also an artist – I’m looking forward to exploring your hub – thanks for stopping by, keep in touch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure! and being new to the website world…. I find its great when I get interesting ‘meaty’ feedback comments. I look forward to seeing more of your work! wish my students could See That! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for spending some time on my website and leaving some comments. It drew my attention to your exciting website, which I’m thrilled to discover. I’m off to discover more of your work now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure 🙂 I’m always intrigued by beautiful art, authors, history, genealogy and humour!
LikeLike
I love your blog and look forward to reading more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank You so much 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi! Nice to meet another Washingtonian! 😊 Thank you for liking so many posts on my blog – such a nice surprise! 💙 Glad to see you like color too and experimenting in different art mediums! YAY! 🎨 I look forward to reading your posts too – I’m now a follower of your blog! 😊😄😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jill, thank you very much for the follow! Diversity…lol and colour! Glad that you’ll be visiting often Jill, enjoy 🙂 cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi,
How stunning to get all your likes this morning!!! And that from a fellow artist! Thank you so much for them!
And then discovering your lively, beautiful art blog!!!! I like your paintings and thoughts about art…and colour…very much!
The trip I have begun here just now seems so fascinating, contagious, and it sparks my imagination.
I have begun to follow you ! Looking forward to my next visit!
Thanks, Debi!
All the best, Petra
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Petra!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i cannot believe i’ve not read this About section before. I’m not famous, or have any awards. I taught myself how to paint with watercolor & loved it. I have been commissioned for a prayer book. but reading this was a bit of a shock because i just started a new painting, using everything the art kids have taught me over the years. a bit of this & that, perhaps that will be the paintings title? Forgive me for not reading this before now, Deb. I’ve always enjoyed seeing you in my comments & considered you a friend. Your work is amazing. i’m looking for your coon cat picture now…talk to you later! ~amy
LikeLiked by 1 person
well, I’m not famous. nor rich. but … I am doing what I’m meant to be doing. Now. LOL
LikeLike
DEB!!! You do not have an email follow. YOU need to HAVE one because I want to follow you that way. PLEASE, can you make one? ~amy
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll check this out Amy, I thought WP did! I looked, and I do have email follow. 🙂
LikeLike
Amy… I Do Now! home page, top right column 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting my blog. Wishing you every success in your artistic explorations. From what I can glean from your autobiography, you deserve it too! Best wishes, Stephen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure! Thank you Stephen, for your lovely comments. Cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Debi – Thanks for stopping by Art & Tulips. You are a person after my own heart (“Sure, I can teach that!”) In San Diego now, but from Whidbey Island, Bellevue, Seattle…Walla Walla… 😉
Your work is lovely. Molly
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Molly. Always interesting to see where other PacNW people are living and ‘doing 🙂 Thanks for stopping in too!
LikeLike
Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you stumbled across my blog because that has led me to yours. The visuals here are beautiful. Stunning. I love that you have embraced trying out new ideas and techniques. Just yesterday I mentioned to someone that I dabble in photography by default – because I don’t know how to paint. Maybe I should just be brave and give it a try! K. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
its great Fun!! a palette knife, blue & sienna watercolour paints, on damp paper = Fun. you can see some examples in my posts on how to if it sounds like fun 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a fan of abstracts, generally speaking. Yours are fabulous so I was quite surprised to find myself most drawn to “Summer colours”. Maybe it’s the shaped border. Or maybe it’s because it reminds me of where I walk my dog. The colours. I don’t know what it is – specifically – but I love, love, love that painting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Kerry! it has a ‘Feeling’ about it, that wraps around and hugs me… well, that’s how I explain it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great site Debi! I really enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I appreciate that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Debi, I’ve just received the WordPress 2015 annual report, and you are one of the people who commented the most my website. So I just wanted to say THANK YOU, have a wonderful new year and great new Art coming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Emilie, Thank you for sharing! wishing you a fabulous 2016 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much for checking out my blog, Debi. I also love painting, but I’ve found that my time has been taken up with writing and quilting so there isn’t much time left to devote to painting. Maybe I’ll get inspired to pick up the brushes again by following your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome! and its so true, there’s little enough time to do what one has set as a focus; let alone all the other little side bits and tangents!
I’ll look at your site for ‘cool misty relief’, you have great photos of the NW!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. See you on the blogsites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that would be lovely! cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Phew > That quote from Herman Melville is so true and definitely inspiring. I feel like rolling up my sleeves and getting on with it right now! Love your impressionist water technique. Do you reveal how to do that somewhere in your blog?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Andy! yes! Best bet is to go to my Page, Watercolor Basics, scroll thru links to view the posts on w/c for tips and info. There’s plenty to choose from 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi, I found your site via Charlie O’Shields doodlewashes. On your home page, I noticed you have quite a few Australian plant imagery, so wondered if you were Australian. Reading this About page, it seems your American, travellin’ around with hubby. What an adventure that must be! I have no doubt you are finding Aussie plants make for great inspiration for abstractions, as I’ve noted. I like them too, for that reason, and because they’re colourful, weird, unique and sometimes whacky! Now a Follower… 😀
Oh, PS: I think it would be most helpful to list out, in full, the name of an organisation that gave you an Award, as we don’t know acronyms, eg MCAA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic! Glad you’re enjoying my posts & thanks for following ! Yes, Will alter those pesky acronyms too 🙂 Debi
LikeLike
Hi Debi I came across your beautiful Art and Blog from a comment that you left to John latest featured at Doodlewash. I am glad I came to visit and see your creativity. I am an artist designer and I love to express my creativity uniquely and in different mediums I can relate with you in a way we are similar. I see that you love to experiment same me! I create unique jewelry inspired by nature and I love watercolors, photography, digital art, illustration, poetry and more. I just follow your Blog and I hope that you will visit mine I am always happy to interact with other inspiring artists 😉 Cheers Carolina
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow! just had a quick sneak peek!! fabulous website and I will get back for a longer look too Caroline! thank you for the follow. and your birthday is the same as my daughters!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Debi I am happy that you enjoyed your visit thank you! Let’s stay connected ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome! I did indeed, and I hope to get back soon and continue to see your gorgeous artworks & jewelry designs!! 🙂 cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am looking forward to see you back and to your posts also each Friday I host a Meet and Greet event and once at month I pick the Featured Blogger of the month. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is fabulous, I will definitely return for more!! cheers, Debi 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely I am so glad that you will be back 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
again … and again, LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
it actually looks fine!
LikeLike
thank you kindly!!! cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Hello Debi
Just discovering your blog. What energy and verve! And it seems you are…maybe…?…. a local Sydney woman. Good to meet you. cheers, Sally
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi Sally! I’m a Sydney ite at heart, lived there for 12+ years. now in Perth, missing my Sydney but visit son and family there.
Thank You, Sally for stopping in and having a look around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Greetings from Sydney now that autumn chill has finally arrived!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘bracing!’ over your way?
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your creativity ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure; thank you for stopping in and having a look! cheers, Debi
LikeLike
my pleasure, Laura! this is wonderful!
LikeLike
Debi, I’m so glad to discover your blog, it’s pure creative space exudes positivity 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, that is so lovely! I’m glad you found it too, and I look forward to seeing you (reading) again, thank you. Cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you Rajiv, that is so awesome!! I’m glad you enjoyed the website and art 🙂 cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers. Your work is brilliant
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
“It’s better to fail at originality than to succeed at imitation” (Herman Melville). Profound? Yes. But how do we find originality when as artists, poets, writers et al our daily bread is discovering the inspiration that great artists share with us. And from that inspiration we take a little here and there and add a little of our own; then from the mix we create something we choose to call originality which in time becomes our style. I don’t know how you found me or what attracted you but I am always pleased to find another creative in the world. Keep well. James
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi James, great comment!! Thanks for that. We artists do breathe in, little bits of inspirations all around us, all the time! I found you from looking at some new writing/photo tags of WP…and then just looking! lol Thanks so much, for stopping by and ‘chatting.’ Cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Real, beautiful art. Very enjoyable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! I’m glad you enjoyed having a wander and a look at the images 🙂 thank you for stopping by and commenting! cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Debi, i have turned to your “about” page to gather some guidance on what you and others have published there. I find this world of the internet a bit overwhelming and also simply wonderful. i am so pleased to be able to see some of your work and learn from you. i hope to move into more abstract rendering of my images and thoughts and to gradually create a better blog as well.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Holly
LikeLiked by 1 person
internet. it is a minefield! for me its like wandering into the huge endless State library…. and feeling lost in the vastness. but its much better when I go with a specific, narrow, target to search for on that day. I did not begin…my painting life in abstracts. it slowly emerged. evolved. as i used my camera also to snap shots, I found out I zoomed in on abstracted patterns so very often! we learn. we grow. I like the saying, “water upon the stones” for to me it reflects that with time and persistence, I will… get there. and so will YOU!! thank You so much Holly for such a lovely comment here. I honestly, value it! cheers, Debi
LikeLike
Thank you Debi, for taking the time to respond. I find the camera is a useful tool for as you say, zooming in on what attracts one to an object and learning about it’s properties through framing and exposure. I am also learning to use my sketchbook as my primary recording device because when i do i find i am really observing and seeing.
Holly
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome Holly. the sketchbook….. is invaluable! and, if only I would actually use mine more. lol
LikeLike
Wow, what an artist you are Debi. Its going to be fun following along on your journey and seeing the world through your eyes and words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, so much! I’m glad that you are enjoying my website and the information I’ve written! Art, is a most amazing way of being. I love it 🙂 thank you again. cheers, Debi
LikeLike
You are welcome Debi. My mom was an artist and a master with oils. Her talents didn’t seem to manifest in my gene structure although I keep trying. After all Monet, Katz and van Gogh were late bloomers, lol. We enjoy your talents a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
smiling…. no, nothing wrong with us late bloomers at all! lol 🙂 thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ya know how they describe the growth of a bamboo tree, lol. It took us years to grow our roots and now we’re shooting high into the sky like you and so many others we are meeting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I am inspired by your blog. I love art and I love watercolor. I look forward to following you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for your wonderful thoughts and comments. I love your site and your Instagram as well.. such Lovely writing from the heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing such positive feedback. Yes, my poems come from the heart and it makes me smile to know that you receive that message when you read them. Have a beautiful day.
LikeLike
This is great. I like art too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, that is very kind! cheers, Debi
LikeLike
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Can’t believe I’ve only just visited your about page Debi. Lovely to read. Do you have contact email?
LikeLiked by 1 person
what! LOL
actually it needs updated…. anyway, thank you Andrew. rileydj@hotmail.com and just put into the subject line Debi’s Art so I recognise the email. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi, what a delightful, inspiring, all encompassing take on creativity you have. From the quick look at your work on this page I like it – a lot! Thank you so much for the follow. I think you’ve hooked me in too 🙂
LikeLike
thank YOU! its a fun, journey and art is something we all can do. in one form, or another. glad you like it, and enjoyed! cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debi, love your work : ] I run an art school in Mona Vale Sydney. Not sure where you are based at the present, but would be wonderful if you were interested to run an experimental landscape workshop at Sydney Art Space. Kind Regards, Christine Simpson http://www.sydneyartspace.com
LikeLike