Deb Kahler

Born in the Hudson Valley of New York, I currently live in Westport, NY where I have resided for over thirty-five years. 

Making art has been a passion of mine since childhood. Of the many things that I love about making art and being a “creator”, the element of color is what I love most. The endless values, shades and intensities entice and inspire me. I am fascinated by the allure and power of color and how it makes an impact visually and emotionally. I especially enjoy creating a pallet of colors that are rich and vibrant, choosing not to use black as a result - like the Impressionists, I believe there is color and light even in shadow. Pattern is another element that I love, and it is thus often the basis of my compositions. Additionally, I am drawn to images and scenes that have dramatic light. I strive to exaggerate the effects of color and light as a means of expression. Finally, the process of painting is meditative and therapeutic for me. The feeling of the paintbrush as it glides across the canvas is satisfying and soothing. I enjoy working “wet on wet” (painting wet paint onto wet paint) which I find to be a more expressive approach allowing colors to merge and blend, sometimes in unexpected ways.  

Artists who have been most influential include many from the Impressionist and Expressionist movements, such as Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas, Wassily Kandinsky and Marc Chagall.

My recent oil paintings are inspired by a love of nature, the outdoors and the beauty of the Adirondacks and surrounding regions. Most of my images are created from photographs that I have taken. Viewers have described my work as “painterly and crisp”, “dynamic”, “captivating” and “serene”. The magic of art is the ability to communicate and connect with others. It is an outlet and a voice. I am grateful for the opportunity to share and connect with others through the power of art.   

My paintings and prints have been exhibited in galleries for more than 25 years. Many of my works are held in private collections across the United States. I hold a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute and an M.F.A. from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz and have taught art in a variety of settings including as adjunct professor at Plattsburgh State University.