My first set of paints was a paint box which my brother built and gifted to me on my 12th Christmas.  He filled the box with supplies to begin my art journey.  I took art classes in high school and college, but opted to follow a career path that was more financially dependable than what I believed an art career would be. Then I completely set aside art during my working and parenting years.

Once into the empty nest years, my eldest daughter gave me my second paint set, also filled with a sampling of various painting mediums and supplies.  She told me that she remembered me saying I would love to get back to art after retirement and told me to “get busy.”  So at the young age of 57, I got busy!  I must say that those paint boxes were the best Christmas gifts if ever there were any.

My reintroduction into art was with a Bob Ross certified instructor.  He gave me the courage and confidence to pick up the brush again. Since then, I have studied under different local and online artists in an attempt to improve my skills and try different techniques and mediums.  I am still learning and expanding my skills.  Artist Salvadore Dalí fittingly said, “[h]ave no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.”

I like to ask a potential client who, what or where their “happy place” is.  Sometimes it’s a person or a pet that brings the “happy place” smile; sometimes it’s a special memory of a place.  My hope is that when someone needs to take a moment to escape life’s pressures and chaos, they can take a deep breath and escape to their own “happy place” through the joy of art.

Memories – Portraits, Animals, Landscapes 

I don’t have a website, but I post my work on Instagram (@debfredette) which I use as a scrapbook of sorts.  My work is also on Facebook (debfredette).  Text or email me if I can help you recapture a memory or honor someone special: 336-688-2463 debfredette@gmail.com.