Westminster Canterbury – Debra Sheffer – Oil Paintings

Westminster Canterbury is located at 501 V.E.S. Rd, Lynchburg, VA. Learn more on their website.

About the Artist:

“After being completely astonished by a portrait by painter Robert Henri in the National Gallery of Art during college, I knew I wanted to explore a different way of painting which showed that level of spontaneity and impactful color. To that point, my instruction hadn’t included observational painting. Although I was pursuing a career in graphic design, I later connected with Beverley Street Studio School in Staunton, VA, and benefited from the teachings of many fine artists.

I love to explore the Virginia countryside to find interesting locations to paint. In addition to Highland County, I have lately spent time painting with a group of artists at a farm in Madison County.

My painting approach begins with tonal brush marks on the surface. I distill observations to a value study initially, balancing the darks and lights, sensibilities informed by years as a graphic designer. Some on-site sketches are used to inform larger studio works but painting on location is always my first choice.   

Landscape painters who have influenced my work include California impressionists Edgar Payne and William Wendt, as well as Fairfield Porter and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. I am increasingly drawn to work with more abstracted shapes.”