by Margaret Best
It is with great pleasure that we share the wonderful news that BAGSC member Deborah Shaw has had one of her recent graphite and watercolour works on vellum accepted into the Hunt Institute’s International Exhibition in 2013.
About 11 years ago, shortly after I met Deborah at a class in Arizona, she showed me a graphite study of a white phalaenopsis orchid. Having enjoyed teaching and using graphite myself for a number of years, I recognized that Deborah had exceptional skills in this medium. I was struck by her mastery of perhaps the best continuous tone I had ever seen! The ultimate control required in the smoothest of value changes was evident throughout the piece. The work also displayed a keen awareness of the finest of edges and tiniest of details. Needless to say, I gushed about it and I clearly never forgot it.
Business and family commitments, as well as generosity of heart to fellow artists, have been obstacles to Deborah being able to focus fully on her own art. More recently she has managed to carve out time for her botanical art. She has begun exploration of a surface uniquely suited to her touch and intense awareness of texture – vellum. Vellum has brought it all together for Deborah. What has been so exciting to witness is how she has achieved a marriage of skills in a truly magical way on a surface that challenges even the most experienced artists.
Everybody is very proud of your well-deserved selection in the next Hunt Institute exhibition!
6 comments
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January 6, 2013 at 10:25 am
Arillyn Johnson
Deb, Wow! What an achievement. The piece is wonderfully executed. It sounds so interesting on vellum with both graphite and watercolor. Will you address that combination in the workshop at Rogers Garden? Also, the instructions to sign up for your workshop is not grouped with the watercolor and pastel workshop. I guess we should contact Theresa Merino…is that right? Arillyn
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January 7, 2013 at 9:56 am
dbshaw
Arillyn — thank you! It’s a complicated technique. I could talk about it at a meeting or for group members. For “A Day of Art” at Roger’s Gardens we’ll be doing basic beginning drawing techniques, open to the public. I’ll be in touch with everyone soon about that day. Thanks again, and looking forward to seeing you.
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December 13, 2012 at 10:43 am
anita walsmit sachs
Dearest Deborah, congratulations, well deserved. Hope to see the real thing in Pittsburgh next year. Lots of love, Anita Walsmit Sachs
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December 13, 2012 at 5:03 pm
dbshaw
Thank you Anita — Hope to see you there too!!
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December 12, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Suzanne Kuuskmae
Great news!! Congratulations.
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December 12, 2012 at 10:49 pm
dbshaw
Thanks Sue!
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