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The Register-Herald newspaper exhibits local art at its North Kanawha Street office – free and open to the public, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Local artist Debbie Lester is the latest to hang an exhibit at the newspaper office. It is her first solo exhibit there and showcases a plethora of her work.
Lester agreed to a Q&A.
DE: When I think of your work, I often think of flowers. Are you a gardener as well as an artist, and if so, how does the garden inspire you?
DL: I love beautiful flowers. I love the transparency of the petals and try to capture that. I have planted my yard with irises, roses, hydrangeas, cone flowers and daffodils and have painted them many times.
DE: When did you start painting and was there someone who was a major influence?
DL: I’ve been painting for 43 years and I remember drawing as a child. I’ve always loved studying famous artists. I’ve always been interested in studying all mediums of painting. I’ve encouraged my sons and grandchildren to paint. My grandmother always bought me paint by number gifts for Christmas and maybe that did it! I also had a dear artist friend, Emma Eastes, who taught me so much when I first started painting.
DE: Do you have a favorite medium or subject?
DL: I love the fluidity and spontaneity of water colors but I love all mediums. I still paint in oils, acrylics and pastels. I usually like to paint the beautiful landscapes of West Virginia and my flowers. I also love to teach people how to paint and I teach classes at Beckley Art Center and also Cedar Lakes in Ripley.
DE: I know you are from an artistic family. (Debbie’s son Jamie Lester is an accomplished sculptor, painter and musician.) Have these talents passed to your grandchildren?
DL: All of my grandchildren are artistic and I encourage them to paint when they visit.
DE: What advice would you give to someone who has the desire to create art?
DL: Practice. Practice. Practice. Take workshops, classes, join art groups and water color societies. It encourages you to be artistic.
DE: In your opinion, how is art important to a community?
DL: Art is very important to a community. It connects the cultural heritage of a community. Art reminds us of our past while inspiring us for our future. Art is a vehicle for connecting different groups in a community.
Her exhibit at the newspaper office is open.
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