Meet Debbie Clay | Fine Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Clay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
The million dollar question of whether to give up or plow through isn’t as cut and dried as I’d like it to be. I’m an artist, no matter whether I’m selling a lot or a little; I have this innate desire to convey through paint, the world around me. The vast natural beauty of the southwest is overwhelming and so I instinctively paint it. I’ll continue to paint and sell art because it’s who I am; sometimes the rewards are small and other times there are accolades, life is like that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I paint landscapes and still life paintings representing the great Southwest. I enjoy painting local landscapes using my own photos or painting en plein air, however, my pride and joy is my still life paintings. I stage every set up using hand crafted turquoise jewelry, Navajo weavings and pottery that I’ve collected over the years. Growing up in several different areas of the Navajo Indian Reservation, I have a unique appreciation for the craftmanship of Native American arts.

I started painting in the early 1990’s as a hobby. My love for oil painting grew through many wonderful local teachers. My favorite instructor and friend, Bill Hatch, is a professor of art at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. He shared many of the special techniques he uses in his own paintings. His approach for achieving texture in rugs and luminance in jewelry is foundational in my still life paintings.

I transitioned from hobby to professional after my kids were grown. I began by showing in juried shows in the Four Corners Region. My art was featured in the Wylie Fine Art Gallery in Wylie, Texas, outside of Dallas. Another progression was from student to instructor; I taught workshops in Texas as well as instruction in my local area.

The business, Art By Debbie Clay, became a reality for me when I’d sold enough paintings to need a tax number. It’s exciting to know your business is growing enough to have to pay taxes and need business cards printed.

“Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” Claude Monet

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have family and friends come into town, our first stop is the restaurant Si Senor` in Farmington. The most important question is not WHAT to order, but do you want it served red, green or Christmas. The chile rellenos smothered in green chile sauce is my favorite but some prefer the spicier red chile sauce or Christmas style, which is both chile sauces.

One of my favorite day trips is the Bisti Badlands. There’s 45,000 acres of wilderness area with alien-like formations called Hoodoos. Our next stop might be the Aztec Ruins or downtown Durango, Colorado and a ride on the historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train. Seasonal activities include skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and rafting the Animas River.

Another interesting day trip is the Mesa Verde World Heritage Site. The park offers unique opportunities to climb through the Pre-Puebloan cliff dwellings and ruins. The Four Corners Area offers something for everyone. It is rich in culture, beauty and recreation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Steve, is my greatest supporter. It was his idea for me to try my hand at oil painting thirty years ago. He’s always encouraged and believed in me.

Website: https://www.debbieclay.com/

Instagram: debbie.clay.fineart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtByDebbieClay