Debbie Mueller

Member since 2020

I am an accidental artist. In 2016, while visiting my parents, a dreary, dull day resulted in an offer by my mother, a lifelong hobby painter, to paint with her. I considered refusing, as I was convinced that I had no artistic abilities and didn't relish the idea of creating something ugly, but I truly had nothing better to do. That day changed my life. I made a poor painting, but felt wonderful while doing it, so bought some paint when I arrived home and thus began my journey as an oil painter.

Since that time, I have studied with some wonderful teachers, including Todd Bonita, Timothy Horn, Peggy Kroll Roberts, and Anne Blair Brown among others. I have voraciously consumed information about painting and delight in having discovered something where I can continue to learn and improve for the rest of my days. Having practiced medicine for 30 years, it is wonderful to be exploring a new career and learning new skills.

Part of my art education has been courtesy of Instagram, where I am able to view the work of some of the best painters in the world. I have found that I am drawn to works that have a strong sense of illumination, and that’s what I strive for in my own work. I am particularly drawn to architecture, and the patterns of light. I have discovered plein air painting and have delighted in capturing the beauty of our region as I travel with my paints. In addition, painting still life has allowed me to paint from life during days when being outdoors is difficult. For any subject, light and shadow are the star players.

I have been honored to be accepted into the Rockport Art Association, the New Hampshire Art Association, the Oil Painters of America, The National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, the American Impressionist Society, American Women Artists, and the National Association of Women Artists. I have been juried into plein air competitions in Castine, Maine and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. My work has been shown in several national exhibitions including the 2020 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition, NOAPS Small Works Exhibition, RAA&M National Exhibition, and the Cape Cod Art Center National Exhibition, where my painting won Best Oil Painting. Other awards include Best in Show for the Art Guild of the Kennebunks, Best in Show, People’s Choice Award and Honorable Mention in the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival 2020, and Second Place in the New Hampshire Art Association’s annual Lassonde Exhibition.

As a late bloomer artist, I consider the blessings that discovering painting has bestowed upon me. I have made some wonderful friends through painting (shhh- don’t let anyone know, but artists are so much nicer than doctors!) I am able to see the beauty of the world around us through an artist’s eyes- even dreary days bear wonder, and I have a sense of purpose that allows me to rise each morning with eagerness as I think, “what will I paint today?”

Debbie Mueller's Website