In the Pacific Northhwest where Debra Van Tuinen resides, nature asserts itself strongly in the ever-present deep green forests, turbulent skies, and cold rushing streams. The Western landscape as subject matter can be said to represent an embodiment of a kind of romantic expressionism in its stunning beauty. Responding to the natual environment of her home and places traveled, Debra Van Tuinen creates a new visual language of rich textures and organic yet vibrant colours. Her skilled use of wax encaustic and oil paint creates a distinctive luminosity, often combined with metal leaf offering a juxtaposition of surfaces.
Van Tuinen received a comprehensive education that includes Byam Shaw School of Art, London, England, and her BFA from Hope College, Holland, MI and her MFA from University of WA, Seattle, WA. Debra VanTuinen loves and creates in Olympia, Washington, the sate Capitol tucked into a valley at the foot of Puget Sound. Her work has been included in several international and national exhibitions: The Biennale Internationale Dell'Arte Contemporanea in Florence, Italy: Site Sante Fe, Agart World Print Exhibition in Slovenia and the AFF Art Fair in New York City
