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DEBBY MERKEL

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​Born on Vancouver Island at Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada and raised in Alberta,
I returned to the province of my birth in 1972.  Currently, I live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia in the City of Kelowna.

I began studying watercolour in 2007.  Through that experience I discovered my passion for art. 
​I developed a love of deep,, vibrant colours that drew me to acrylics.

After attending a workshop with a California artist in 2010, my style dramatically altered and I shifted from painting realism to abstract art.  Ever changing, I create abstracts using texture which ignites the senses.  Viewing an abstract is an individual experience stirred by shapes, colours, emotions and memories.  When I start to paint, rarely is there a preconceived idea of the outcome and it is more about intuition.  The process becomes more like a meditation.

After becoming a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, I facilitated many workshops in the Okanagan and took part in many shows.  I let my membership lapse and took a six year hiatus from all creativity.  I had no desire to paint and didn't think I would ever paint again.  Fortunately, the desire returned as I searched for something shiny and new.  The biggest catalyst was a ten-week online workshop with a British artist which catapulted me back to where I want to be - feeling the passion.  I learned to play, explore and use my imagination.  What I love most is that I've learned to enjoy the journey.

I am currently a member of the Kelowna Palette Club and the Okanagan Artists' Coalition.

My work is found in private and corporate collections across Canada and the United States.



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all images copyright the respective artist, content copyright The Kelowna Palette Club