Acrylic with rainwater wash and gold leaf on 1.5″ wood panel 36 x 12

We in the northwest corner of the United States live with a lot of rain and this winter has seemed exceptionally wet. I’ve been very influenced by the Pacific Northwest climate and I’ve been painting rainy scenes since I moved here years ago. I grew up in the desert climate of New Mexico so the showers here are pretty astonishing to me, even still.

In my search to find new ways to be inspired in those long expanses of gray and wet, I was working in the studio on acrylic under painting options. The surface was dry to the touch but not cured and a droplet from the washed brush happened to fall. When I wiped it away the water took the surface with it. This produced a string of expletives at first. But as I stared at the blemish in the expanse of color it occurred to me that I could use all those droplets to my advantage. Instead of just painting a picture of the rain I could paint with the rain, using it as a tool to elevate a piece with subject matter ABOUT rain and all that implies, but also creating an actual impression OF the rain.

I prepared another background and waited for it to dry. As it rested in the studio I stepped outside to find the rain had subsided. If the surface dried too much the rain wouldn’t wash away the paint. This is what I believe people call a “teachable moment”. A realization that sometimes one must surrender to circumstances and hope for the best. Letting go of the control and just being in that moment with the smell of the wet and the pat-pat sound of the dripping trees was truly peaceful and oddly thrilling.

I went to check on the painted board. Dry. I set up a camera under the awning, hauled out the easel and checked the sky. Suddenly, the clouds opened up and it began to pour. I ran for the painting, set it on the easel and let the rain do its thing. I held my breath as I pulled the squeegee. Sculptural shapes of elegance and grace appeared. I nearly cried.

Today the sun is out and there is blue sky. But I have several boards stacked and ready. So I listen to the weather. And for now, I just wait for that glorious rain.

I’ve been watching hummingbirds lately. I put a feeder outside my studio window in our unseasonably warm Seattle January. They seem to be of another dimension. The acrobatics are, of course, astonishing but the more I watch the more it seems they barely touch the world we perceive. I went to refill the feeder and one of them hovered near me, seemingly trying to work out what I was. This seemed a great metaphor for all the unknowns we face as the world spins us round. With every day that passes I become more aware and interested in time so that has become a theme in my current work. Birds are a great vehicle on which to hang these impressions. They’re fleeting and delicate and as beautiful as they are ubiquitous. Also, they’re dinosaurs. And they can fly. So as subject matter, you cannot do better.

I’ve been working up a large painting in the studio. Birds to me are symbols of freedom and renewal. For me, the piece speaks to catharsis. You be the judge. My process is all about building. Like building a house–it’s foundation and then brick-by-brick. Each clip is about a minute and shows the process from beginning to end. Find me on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for watching!

Come and join me at Welcome Road Winery for a glass and a farewell to summer. Along with the excellent photo work of Brooke Belman, I’ll have work up at the winery and I’d love to see you. Come taste the new, award-winning wines, have a nibble, and get yourself some aaaht.

This Thursday, 9/14

5:00 to 8:00 pm

Come enjoy a sip and soak up the art at the lovely West Seattle tasting room of Welcome Road Winery. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to catch some rays and taste Welcome Road’s award winning vintages. My work will be up through September. Cheers!

The folks at Jars Juice suggested we print a shirt to celebrate the Umbrella paintings being unveiled at the March 2nd show. So, we’ve printed this limited-edition, organic, cotton hoodie with the iconic image indicative of Seattle style and spirit. Shirts are great quality, with a super fine fit. A portion of every sale goes to Sara’s Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue facility where abused and unwanted animals are given a second chance at a happy, protected life. They do such great work, I’m proud to offer my support to this worthy organization. The shirts go for $45 and they’ll go fast so come by the show and grab yours on March 2nd!

Hey, boys and girls! I’m happy to say I’ll be showing some new stuff at Jars Juice on Thursday, March 2nd for the First Thursday artwalk. Come sip some body boosting juice concoctions or have a glass of wine from Welcome Road Winery. There’ll be bites from Worobel Artisanal Foods, as well. Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there!

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
6007 12th Ave S. (2nd floor), Seattle, 98108
The Georgetown Art Attack, held on the second Saturday each month, features a diverse range of artists displaying works throughout the South Seattle Georgetown neighborhood.

Artist Deb McCarroll will feature new, limited-edition salmon prints, and Northwest-themed paintings and prints at the Hammie Salon located on the 2nd floor in the historic Hamilton building.

Light appetizers to be provided by Worobel Foods. Award-winning wine provided by Welcome Road Winery.

You are invited to stop by and experience the arts in this vibrant Seattle neighborhood.

Please pass this invitation on to friends. The more the merrier!
“The salmon is an intrinsic, revered part of Northwest culture. The transformations and struggles the fish face are remarkable. I am inspired by the sublime structure and mechanics of this ancient, beautiful fish. Before cameras, the Japanese made prints of the fish they caught to keep a record of the catch. I’ve adapted these methods to print on board and canvas to show movement and depth. Using water-based paint, a limited number of prints are made from the sustainably caught fish. The salmon is subsequently washed, filleted and eaten.”
See more at debmccarroll.com and artsyo.

In a recent survey commissioned by online art dealer UGallery, 70 percent of people have never bought artwork — ever. And 20 percent found it to be the most intimidating shopping experience of all — more so than shopping for real estate or an expensive car.

The online art clearing house Artsy has a great article with 7 tips for buying original art. Regardless where you get your art, supporting original art is a great way to invest in the creative community while enriching your living space.